2008 Citroen C3 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C3 weights approximately 397 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Citroen C3 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C3 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | C3 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 45 L |
