2009 Citroen C5 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 965 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C5 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 185 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 | 1555 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 45 L |
