2003 Citroen C3 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 389 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C3. (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C3 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 106 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
