1999 Citroen Xantia vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xantia is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,945 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xantia (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 772 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1999 Citroen Xantia (277 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Citroen Xantia | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xantia | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2945 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1468 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2140 mm |
