1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Ambassador would be higher. At 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AMC Ambassador (210 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 1095 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 1970 AMC Ambassador 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 1970 AMC Ambassador. 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, 1970 AMC Ambassador (414 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1970 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1981 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1981 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 AMC Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Ambassador | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | AMC | Citroen |
| Model | Ambassador | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
