1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1960 Fairthorpe Electron
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Fairthorpe Electron is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Fairthorpe Electron (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Fairthorpe Electron should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 65 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1960 Fairthorpe Electron (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1960 Fairthorpe Electron will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | |
| Make | Citroen | Fairthorpe |
| Model | Mehari | Electron |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 42 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2060 mm |
