2003 Citroen C3 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 C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 216 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1097 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
