1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Citroen C4
To start off, 2012 Citroen C4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C4. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C4 weights approximately 909 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C4, 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, 2012 Citroen C4 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2012 Citroen C4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elise | C4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
