1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 565 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 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Citroen Mehari | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | Mehari | Esprit |
Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 40 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |