2001 Citroen C3 vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 2001 Citroen C3. (87 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 631 kg more than 2001 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 1 Series 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 2011 BMW 1 Series. 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, 2011 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C3. 2001 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C3 | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | C3 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
