1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Citroen C3
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 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 74 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
Because 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3. 2009 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 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:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1058 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 | 38 L | 45 L |
