1959 Abarth Bialbero vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth Bialbero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth Bialbero would be higher. At 745 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth Bialbero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth Bialbero (60 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth Bialbero should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 12 kg more than 1959 Abarth Bialbero.
Because 1959 Abarth Bialbero 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 1959 Abarth Bialbero. 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, 1959 Abarth Bialbero (69 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth Bialbero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth Bialbero | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | Bialbero | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
