1985 Citroen CX vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Citroen CX (168 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Citroen CX weights approximately 612 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Citroen CX (300 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen CX | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2310 mm |
