2004 Citroen C3 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Citroen C3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2004 Citroen C3. (72 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Citroen C3 weights approximately 31 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Citroen C3. (116 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Citroen C3 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
