@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Fiat / Stellantis Media
VS

Citroen C3 vs Fiat 500 – Differences & prices compared

Two cars, one duel: Citroen C3 meets Fiat 500.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

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 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

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 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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.

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

500 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Citroen C3 has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 13700 £, while the Fiat 500 costs 18800 £. That’s a price difference of around 5143 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C3 manages with 5 L and is therefore minimal more efficient than the Fiat 500 with 5.30 L. The difference is about 0.30 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 range, the Fiat 500 performs hardly perceptible better – achieving up to 331 km, about 7 km more than the Citroen C3.

C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

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 Citroen C3 performs to a small extent better – reaching 183 km/h, while the Fiat 500 tops out at 155 km/h. The difference is around 28 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:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

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

In curb weight, Fiat 500 is minimal lighter – 1141 kg compared to 1226 kg. The difference is around 85 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?

The Citroen C3 proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Citroen C3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £13,700
C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C3

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • 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 - 324 km

Citroen C3

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

Fiat 500

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
Citroen C3
Fiat 500
C3 @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
500 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
13700 - 23800 £
Price
18800 - 30800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
5.30 L
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 14.7 kWh
Electric Range
206 - 324 km
Electric Range
190 - 331 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
21.3 - 37.3 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
0 - 120 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
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
1141 - 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
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction 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 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
135 - 155 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
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 - 2025
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Fiat
What drive types are available for the Citroen C3?

The Citroen C3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.