1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1995 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1995 Toyota Lexcen is newer by 15 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Toyota Lexcen (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 830 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 1995 Toyota Lexcen 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 1995 Toyota Lexcen. 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, 1995 Toyota Lexcen (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1995 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
