1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1986 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1986 Ferrari 208 is newer by 6 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 577 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 1986 Ferrari 208 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 1986 Ferrari 208. 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1986 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Mehari | 208 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
