2009 Citroen C3 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP) has 82 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | C3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 190 HP |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.2 seconds | 5.2 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 | 1159 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
