2008 Citroen C3 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C3. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 96 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1022 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
