2003 Citroen C2 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 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), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C2. (58 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 14 kg more than 2003 Citroen C2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C2. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C2 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 40 L |
