1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1959 Riley 4-68
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4-68. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4-68 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4-68 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Riley 4-68 (63 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Riley 4-68 should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4-68 weights approximately 534 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 1959 Riley 4-68 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 1959 Riley 4-68. 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, 1959 Riley 4-68 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4-68 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1959 Riley 4-68 | |
| Make | Citroen | Riley |
| Model | Mehari | 4-68 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
