1990 Citroen BX vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Citroen BX is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1990 Citroen BX. (71 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Citroen BX weights approximately 340 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Citroen BX. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Citroen BX | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | BX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 45 L |
