2003 Citroen C3 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2003 Citroen C3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Citroen C3. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen C3 weights approximately 253 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen C3. (95 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C3 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | C3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1053 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 34 L |
