2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
