2001 Citroen C5 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,177 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2001 Citroen C5. (59 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 669 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C5. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C5. 2001 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C5 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2177 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1558 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
