1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1986 Ferrari Mondial
To start off, 1986 Ferrari Mondial is newer by 7 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 3,185 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari Mondial is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari Mondial (267 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari Mondial should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari Mondial weights approximately 845 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.
Because 1986 Ferrari Mondial 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 1986 Ferrari Mondial. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1986 Ferrari Mondial (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari Mondial will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1986 Ferrari Mondial | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Mehari | Mondial |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 3185 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
