2001 Citroen C3 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Citroen C3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C3 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C3 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 67 L |
