2003 Citroen C3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 299 kg more than 2003 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C3. (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C3 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1628 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
