1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1997 Westfield ZEI
To start off, 1997 Westfield ZEI is newer by 17 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Westfield ZEI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Westfield ZEI (129 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Westfield ZEI should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Westfield ZEI weights approximately 165 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 1997 Westfield ZEI 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 1997 Westfield ZEI. 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, 1997 Westfield ZEI (162 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Westfield ZEI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1997 Westfield ZEI | |
| Make | Citroen | Westfield |
| Model | Mehari | ZEI |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
