1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 16 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 680 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 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1996 Toyota MR2. 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Citroen Mehari | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
Make | Citroen | Toyota |
Model | Mehari | MR2 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 40 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |