1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 41 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 2012 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Citroen C3. (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elan | C3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
