1996 Citroen ZX vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Citroen ZX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1996 Citroen ZX. (67 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 86 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 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen ZX. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | ZX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
