1988 Citroen AX vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Citroen AX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Citroen AX would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (57 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 607 kg more than 1988 Citroen AX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Citroen AX, 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen AX | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | AX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 73 L |
