2003 Citroen C3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 925 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C3. (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
