2006 Citroen C3 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Citroen C3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2006 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen C3 weights approximately 334 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen C3 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| 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 | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |
