2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1976 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 269 kg more than 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Sunbeam Alpine. 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, 1976 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1976 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1976 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | C3 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
