2004 Citroen C3 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Citroen C3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 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 140 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2004 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2004 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| 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 | 89 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
