1988 Citroen AX vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 298 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (73 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen AX | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | AX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 954 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2260 mm |
