1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Citroen C5
To start off, 2011 Citroen C5 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C5 weights approximately 451 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5, 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 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Esprit | C5 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66 L |
