2004 Citroen C3 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Citroen C3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Citroen C3. (88 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Citroen C3 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Citroen C3. (133 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Citroen C3. 2004 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Citroen C3 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
