1998 Citroen C 15 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen C 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen C 15 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1998 Citroen C 15. (59 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen C 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen C 15 weights approximately 33 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Citroen C 15, 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen C 15. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen C 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen C 15 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C 15 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 44 L |
