2005 Citroen C3 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Citroen C3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen C3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 Lotus Exige 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Citroen C3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen C3 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
