2009 Citroen C8 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Citroen C8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,230 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C8. (156 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C8 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 C8 (217 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C8 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C8 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2230 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
