2009 Citroen C1 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Citroen C1 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C1. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 Citroen C1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C1, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C1. (93 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C1.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C1 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C1 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
