2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 105 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. 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, 1978 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Manta 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 | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Manta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
