2003 Citroen C2 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen C2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen C2 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C2. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen C2 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Citroen C2, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C2. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen C2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C2 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C2 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1628 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 40 L |
