2008 Citroen C3 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C3 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen C3. (118 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C3 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
