1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Celica (78 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Celica weights approximately 415 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 1977 Toyota Celica 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 1977 Toyota Celica. 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, 1977 Toyota Celica (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | Celica |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
