1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1956 Lancia Aurelia
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Lancia Aurelia (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Lancia Aurelia should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Lancia Aurelia weights approximately 657 kg more than 1982 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Lancia Aurelia 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 1956 Lancia Aurelia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1956 Lancia Aurelia (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Lancia Aurelia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1956 Lancia Aurelia | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Mehari | Aurelia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
