2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 650 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2810 mm |
