2003 Citroen C3 vs. 2000 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Citroen C3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen C3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise. 2003 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2000 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2000 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C3 | 2000 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| 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 | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
