1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Citroen C3
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,646 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alpine A 310 (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 423 kg more than 1971 Alpine A 310.
Because 1971 Alpine A 310 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 1971 Alpine A 310. 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310. 2009 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1971 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1971 Alpine A 310 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:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
