1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1983 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1983 Citroen Mehari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 980 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Abarth 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Abarth 600 (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Abarth 600 weights approximately 28 kg more than 1983 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Abarth 600 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 1962 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1962 Abarth 600 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Abarth 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1983 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 600 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
