2006 Citroen C5 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan

To start off, 2006 Citroen C5 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen C5 weights approximately 814 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Citroen C5 (286 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2006 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Citroen C5 1968 Lotus Elan
Make Citroen Lotus
Model C5 Elan
Year Released 2006 1968
Body Type Station Wagon Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2946 cc 1558 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 204 HP 116 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6250 RPM
Torque 286 Nm 146 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87 mm 82.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 83 mm 72.8 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1664 kg 850 kg
Vehicle Length 4750 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1200 mm
Wheelbase Size 2760 mm 2440 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 66 L 45 L