1977 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 1122 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 1977 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (346 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Corvette | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1677 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
