1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 445 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Mehari | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
