1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1968 Opel Olympia
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,078 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Opel Olympia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Olympia (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Olympia should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Olympia weights approximately 225 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 Opel Olympia 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 Opel Olympia. 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 Opel Olympia (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Olympia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Citroen Mehari | 1968 Opel Olympia | |
Make | Citroen | Opel |
Model | Mehari | Olympia |
Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1078 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 780 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |