1968 Austin 3-Litre vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Austin 3-Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Austin 3-Litre (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Austin 3-Litre should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Austin 3-Litre weights approximately 935 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 1968 Austin 3-Litre 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 1968 Austin 3-Litre. 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, 1968 Austin 3-Litre (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Austin 3-Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Austin 3-Litre | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | 3-Litre | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
