1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1966 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Triumph Vitesse (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Triumph Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Triumph Vitesse weights approximately 381 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Triumph Vitesse 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 1966 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 1966 Triumph Vitesse (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Triumph Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1966 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Citroen | Triumph |
| Model | Mehari | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
