1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1987 Lada 2104
To start off, 1987 Lada 2104 is newer by 8 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lada 2104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lada 2104 (71 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lada 2104 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lada 2104 weights approximately 495 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 1987 Lada 2104 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 1987 Lada 2104. 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, 1987 Lada 2104 (118 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lada 2104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1987 Lada 2104 | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | Mehari | 2104 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
