1984 Citroen LN vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Citroen LN. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Citroen LN would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1984 Citroen LN. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen LN. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 Citroen LN. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen LN. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen LN.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen LN | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | LN | Elan |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2260 mm |
