2009 Citroen C4 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Citroen C4 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C4. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C4 weights approximately 459 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C4, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C4. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C4 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
