2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 33 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3. 2009 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
