2009 Citroen C3 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 282 kg more than 2009 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Citroen | Lexus |
| Model | C3 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1263 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
