1998 Citroen Xsara vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 150 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (113 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Xsara | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 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 | 126 HP |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
