1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite weights approximately 109 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 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite 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 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Citroen |
Model | Sprite | Mehari |
Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 602 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 29 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 40 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 555 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1640 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |