1996 Citroen Saxo vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1996 Citroen Saxo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (118 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 169 kg more than 1996 Citroen Saxo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 1980 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Saxo, 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (145 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Saxo | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Saxo | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2490 mm |
