2009 Citroen C3 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 4 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 368 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3. 2009 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series
Make Citroen BMW
Model C3 3 Series
Year Released 2009 2013
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1587 cc 2979 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 108 HP 296 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5900 RPM
Torque 147 Nm 450 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.2 :1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Top Speed 187 km/hour 240 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 11.9 seconds 5.4 seconds
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1252 kg 1620 kg
Vehicle Length 3940 mm 4620 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1961 mm
Vehicle Height 1570 mm 1375 mm
Wheelbase Size 2470 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 61 L