2008 Citroen C3 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C3 weights approximately 547 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C3 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1252 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
