2011 Citroen C3 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2011 Citroen C3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C3 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 131 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Citroen C3. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2011 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2011 Citroen C3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Citroen C3 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | C3 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2500 mm |
