1986 Citroen Visa vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Citroen Visa is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,579 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen Visa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Visa. (106 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen Visa weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Citroen Visa, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Visa. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Visa | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Visa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1579 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
