1988 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1979 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
