1999 Alpina B3 vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1999 Alpina B3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alpina B3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alpina B3 weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Alpina B3 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 1999 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1999 Alpina B3 (455 Nm) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm). This means 1999 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alpina B3 | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Alpina | Citroen |
| Model | B3 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
