1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 9 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Mehari | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
