1974 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1986 Citroen Mehari is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1986 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 BMW 518 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 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1986 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 518 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
