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Citroen C3 vs Fiat 500 comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 118 HP), boot space and price (13700 £ vs 17100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Fiat 500?

C3

Citroen C3 vs Fiat 500: A Clash of Stylish Efficiency

In the ever-evolving automotive world, the demand for compact, efficient, and stylish vehicles is at an all-time high. Two contenders that perfectly fit this mold are the Citroen C3 and the Fiat 500. These vehicles cater to modern drivers who prioritize practicality without sacrificing style. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of technical aspects and innovations? Let's take a closer look.

500

Powertrain and Performance

The Citroen C3 is an SUV that offers a variety of engine types, including petrol, electric, and a petrol mild hybrid. With a maximum power of 113 HP and the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds, the C3 strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. It's equipped with a front-wheel-drive system and offers both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

In contrast, the Fiat 500 is a purely electric hatchback, available in different power variants up to 118 HP, with an impressively quick 0-100 km/h acceleration of 9 seconds. It features a singular automatic transmission type—a reduction gearbox—and also uses a front-wheel-drive system. The compact nature of the 500 does not detract from its performance, showcasing a maximum speed of up to 150 km/h.

C3

Efficiency and Range

For eco-conscious drivers, the Citroen C3’s electric variant offers an electric range of up to 326 km, with energy consumption figures hovering around 17.1 kWh/100km. Its petrol version also offers reasonable efficiency with consumptions of 5.5 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km, achieving a respectable balance between power and economy.

The Fiat 500, on the other hand, excels in energy efficiency with consumption rates as low as 13 kWh/100km and a capable electric range of up to 321 km. Its fully electric nature means it produces zero emissions, earning an A in CO2 efficiency class. For dedicated green drivers, the Fiat 500 stands out as a top contender in the urban vehicle segment.

500

Design and Dimensions

Standing at a length of 4015 mm, the Citroen C3's SUV stature offers spacious interiors with seating for up to five, and a trunk capacity of 310 liters, making it ideal for small families or those needing extra cargo space. Its modern design aesthetic runs through both the exterior and interior, providing a comfortable and stylish drive.

Conversely, the Fiat 500 is quintessentially compact with a length of 3632 mm and designed for maneuverability in tight urban spaces. Although it seats only four, its charm lies in its retro-inspired, chic design and agility. Its smaller trunk capacity of 185 liters speaks to its focus on optimizing passenger comfort over cargo space.

C3

Final Verdict

Both the Citroen C3 and the Fiat 500 have forged their niches within the automotive market. The C3 is an excellent choice for those requiring flexibility with petrol and electric options, more space, and versatility often sought by urban families. Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 caters to drivers looking for a stylish, eco-friendly, and compact solution for city living, where ease of parking and efficiency reign supreme.

Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual lifestyle and preferences. Whether it's the Citroen C3's all-around practicality or the Fiat 500's iconic design and eco-efficiency, both cars represent the future of modern urban driving.

Citroen C3 vs Fiat 500: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • distinct cheaper
  • minimal more efficient
  • convincingly more trunk space

Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slight more power
  • distinct more efficient
  • hardly perceptible more electric range
  • somewhat quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • minimal lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

500

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Citroen C3 has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £ , while the Fiat 500 costs 17100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3429 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C3 manages with 5 L and is therefore minimal more efficient than the Fiat 500 with 5.20 L. The difference is about 0.20 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Fiat 500: with 13 kWh per 100 km, it’s distinct more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 16.60 kWh. That’s a difference of about 3.60 kWh.

As for electric range, the Fiat 500 performs hardly perceptible better – achieving up to 331 km, about 6 km more than the Citroen C3.

C3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Fiat 500 has a slight edge – offering 118 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Fiat 500 is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 9 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.90 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Fiat 500 performs to a small extent better – reaching 155 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 132 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Fiat 500 pulls slight stronger with 220 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 15 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Citroen C3 offers slightly more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Fiat 500 is minimal lighter – 1130 kg compared to 1226 kg. The difference is around 96 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C3 offers convincingly more room – 310 L compared to 185 L. That’s a difference of about 125 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 performs significantly better – up to 1220 L, which is about 670 L more than the Fiat 500.

When it comes to payload, Citroen C3 evident takes the win – 423 kg compared to 325 kg. That’s a difference of about 98 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C3 sits well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
The Citroën C3 is a cheeky, city-friendly hatch that’s easy to park, light on fuel and happy to nip through tight streets, while the Citroën C3 Aircross trades some of that nimbleness for SUV hauteur, extra interior space and a much more practical boot. Choose the C3 for pure urban agility and …
Citroen C3
Citroen C4
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The Citroën C3 is the cheeky city hatch that charms with low running costs, soft suspension and easy parking, while the Citroën C4 stretches into crossover territory with more space, stronger engines and sharper tech. If you mostly nip around town grab the C3 for its thrift and comfort; if you want …
Citroen C3
Fiat 500

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £13,700
C3

Citroen C3

  • Engine Type : Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 101 - 113 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 5.6 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.6 - 17.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 206 - 325 km
details

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Citroën C3 is a cheeky little city car that turns heads with its bold, quirky styling and a surprisingly comfy, well-thought-out interior. It’s an ideal companion for urban life — easy to park, friendly to drive and built to make everyday trips feel a bit more fun without breaking the bank.

details
CITROEN_C3_25
CITROEN_C3_26
CITROEN_C3_44
12D30_01

Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Fiat 500 is a cheeky, retro‑styled city car that turns heads with its iconic looks and playful personality. Perfect for weaving through tight streets and easing into tiny parking spots, it’s aimed at buyers who want style and character more than grand touring prowess.

details
190624_F_500_Lounge_MY2020_06
190624_F_500_Lounge_MY2020_10
190624_F_500_Lounge_MY2020_03

Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

Reviews Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
Reijo Muhonen
28 Feb 2026, 16:46:06

I've owned both cars, and I still end up with the Fiat 500 — it always puts me in a good mood. For longer trips I take the train.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Citroen C3
Fiat 500

Costs and Consumption
Price
13700 - 24600 £
Price
17100 - 30800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 14.7 kWh
Electric Range
206 - 325 km
Electric Range
190 - 331 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
21.3 - 37.3 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
0 - 121 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
3 - 4
Curb weight
1226 - 1518 kg
Curb weight
1130 - 1475 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
183 - 185 L
Length
4015 mm
Length
3631 - 3632 mm
Width
1755 mm
Width
1683 - 1684 mm
Height
1567 mm
Height
1527 - 1532 mm
Max trunk capacity
1220 L
Max trunk capacity
440 - 550 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
250 - 325 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
65 - 118 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 16.2 s
Max Speed
125 - 132 km/h
Max Speed
135 - 155 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
92 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
48 - 87 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
999 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2026
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Fiat

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What drive types are available for the Citroen C3?

The Citroen C3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.