1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1968 Fiat 125
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Fiat 125 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 125 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 1968 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1968 Fiat 125 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 1968 Fiat 125 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | 125 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
