2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 155 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 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1996 Toyota MR2. 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | C3 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 70 L |
