1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 1983 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1983 Citroen Mehari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alpine A 310 (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1983 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alpine A 310 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 1974 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Citroen Mehari, 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, 1974 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 1983 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
