1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C3 (108 HP) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 359 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Ford | Citroen |
| Model | Fiesta | C3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1159 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
