2001 Citroen C5 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C5 (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C5 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2260 mm |
