1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Orion weights approximately 325 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Ford Orion (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Orion |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
