2006 Citroen C3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Citroen C3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2006 Citroen C3. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen C3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Citroen C3. (150 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen C3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1211 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 67 L |
