Citroen e-C3 vs Tesla Model S
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Citroen e-C3 | Tesla Model S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 113 | 670 | -83.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 120 | 949 | -87.4% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 14.1 | 17.5 | -19.4% |
| NCAP safety | 3★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | 1-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $30,240 | $76,500 | -60.5% |
- Tesla Model S makes about 83% more power (670 vs 113 hp).
- Citroen e-C3 is the more efficient EV, using 14.1 kWh/100km against 17.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: e-C3 or Model S?
Citroen e-C3 advantages
- Energy efficiency (+19%)
- Affordability (+60%)
Tesla Model S advantages
- Engine power (+83%)
- Pulling torque (+87%)
- Crash-test safety (+40%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Citroen e-C3 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the Tesla Model S if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Citroen e-C3 if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Citroen e-C3 vs Tesla Model S: which should you choose?
Citroen e-C3 (2026 e-C3 Max) — electric hatchback with 113 hp and 120 Nm, rated at 14.1 kWh/100km, 3-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $30,240 in the EU market.
Tesla Model S (2026 Dual Motor AWD) — electric sedan with 670 hp and 949 Nm, rated at 17.5 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $76,500 in the US market.
Citroen e-C3 vs Tesla Model S: Tesla Model S is more powerful. Tesla Model S makes about 83% more power (670 vs 113 hp). Citroen e-C3 is the more efficient EV, using 14.1 kWh/100km against 17.5.
Performance
The Tesla Model S is the more powerful, at 670 hp against 113 hp, with 949 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a 1-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Citroen e-C3 is the more efficient EV, drawing 14.1 kWh/100km against 17.5 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Citroen e-C3 is rated 3 stars by Euro NCAP and Tesla Model S 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Citroen e-C3 lists lower at about $30,240 (USD-converted from the EU market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Citroen e-C3 better than the Tesla Model S?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Tesla Model S makes about 83% more power (670 vs 113 hp).
What is the main difference between the Citroen e-C3 and the Tesla Model S?
Tesla Model S makes about 83% more power (670 vs 113 hp). Citroen e-C3 is the more efficient EV, using 14.1 kWh/100km against 17.5.
Which is better value?
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Citroen e-C3 if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the Tesla Model S if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.