1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Citroen C3
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alpine A 310 (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 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 427 kg more than 1972 Alpine A 310.
Because 1972 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 1972 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alpine A 310. 2009 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1972 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1972 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:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
