1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1988 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 600 cc (2 cylinders), 1988 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 87 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. 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, 1988 Citroen Mehari (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen Mehari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Abarth 500 | 1988 Citroen Mehari | |
Make | Abarth | Citroen |
Model | 500 | Mehari |
Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 23 HP | 29 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 33 Nm | 39 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 555 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1540 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1640 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |