1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 747 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Abarth 600 weights approximately 33 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Abarth 600 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 1955 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1955 Abarth 600 (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 600 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
