1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Citroen C3
To start off, 2011 Citroen C3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2011 Citroen C3. (87 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2011 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C3 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C3, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Citroen C3. (133 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Citroen C3. 2011 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2011 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | C3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
