1987 Citroen CX vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1987 Citroen CX. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen CX weights approximately 299 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen CX. (159 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen CX | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | CX | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |
