2008 Citroen C5 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Citroen C5 is newer by 27 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), 2008 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C5 weights approximately 477 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, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C5 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 204 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1597 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 67 L |
