2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | C3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
