2001 Citroen C3 vs. 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2001 Citroen C3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C3 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1961 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1961 Sunbeam Alpine (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C3 | 1961 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | C3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1138 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
