1980 Austin Marina vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Marina weights approximately 325 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 1980 Austin Marina 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 1980 Austin Marina. 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, 1980 Austin Marina (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Marina | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | Marina | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
