1971 Fiat 124 vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 354 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Citroen C3 (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Citroen |
| Model | 124 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
