1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1988 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 802 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 30 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1956 Austin A 30 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 1956 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1956 Austin A 30 (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Austin A 30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1988 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 30 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2410 mm |
