2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 285 kg more than 2009 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2009 Citroen C3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | C3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
