2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Citroen C3 (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | C3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 87 L |
