2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (87 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 497 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (133 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | C3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1359 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 79 L |
