1989 Citroen Axel vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Citroen Axel is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1989 Citroen Axel. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen Axel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 69 kg more than 1989 Citroen Axel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Citroen Axel, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen Axel. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen Axel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen Axel | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Axel | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2440 mm |
