1996 Citroen ZX vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Citroen ZX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1996 Citroen ZX. (74 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 191 kg more than 1996 Citroen ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen ZX, 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 Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen ZX. (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen ZX | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | ZX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
