2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Citroen C3
To start off, 2011 Citroen C3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2011 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C3 weights approximately 416 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Citroen C3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2011 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Citroen |
| Model | Elise | C3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
