1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2004 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Lexus IS is newer by 23 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus IS weights approximately 845 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 2004 Lexus IS 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 2004 Lexus IS. 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, 2004 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2004 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Citroen | Lexus |
| Model | Mehari | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
