2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
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 Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 Rekord. 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 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord 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 Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
