1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 341 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2012 Citroen C3 (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Esprit | C3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
