1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Because 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Mehari | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
