2007 Citroen C3 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Citroen C3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2007 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Citroen C3 weights approximately 362 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, both vehicles can yield 147 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2007 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Citroen C3 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
