1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,724 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 455 kg more than 1985 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Sunbeam Alpine 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 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1985 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1985 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Citroen Mehari | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
Model | Mehari | Alpine |
Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |