2008 Citroen C3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 232 kg more than 2008 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Citroen C3. 2008 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C3 | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | C3 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1138 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
