1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Citroen C3
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP) has 100 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (72 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 96 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (118 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Esprit | C3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 72 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
