1988 Citroen BX vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX is newer by 17 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 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 Citroen BX. (90 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen BX weights approximately 192 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, 1988 Citroen BX, 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, 1988 Citroen BX (181 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | BX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 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 | 1062 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 59 L |
