1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Citroen C5
To start off, 2011 Citroen C5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C5 weights approximately 841 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C5, 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, 2011 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2011 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elise | C5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
