2008 Citroen C3 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C3. (87 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C3 weights approximately 346 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 Lotus Exige 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 2003 Lotus Exige. 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen C3. (133 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C3 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1358 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 5.8 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 | 1126 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
