2002 Citroen C3 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 313 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (108 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |
