1991 Citroen BX vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Citroen BX is newer by 22 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 44 more horse power than 1991 Citroen BX. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Citroen BX weights approximately 11 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1991 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Citroen BX. (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Citroen BX | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | BX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 59 L |
