2008 Citroen C5 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Citroen C5 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C5. (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C5 weights approximately 412 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 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 (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C5 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2179 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
