1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 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 1,300 cc, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 835 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 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Citroen Mehari | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Citroen | Mazda |
Model | Mehari | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1300 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 40 Nm | 215 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1341 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2703 mm |