1984 Citroen CX vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1984 Citroen CX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Citroen CX (168 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Citroen CX weights approximately 713 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Citroen CX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Citroen CX (301 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen CX | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1409 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
