1961 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 AC Cobra weights approximately 425 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 AC Cobra 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 1961 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | AC | Citroen |
| Model | Cobra | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
