2006 Citroen C6 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Citroen C6 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Citroen C6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Citroen C6 (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Citroen C6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen C6 weights approximately 698 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Citroen C6, 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 C6 (290 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen C6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Citroen C6 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Citroen C6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen C6 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
