1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1969 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 701 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Reliant Rebel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Reliant Rebel (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Reliant Rebel should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Reliant Rebel weights approximately 17 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 1969 Reliant Rebel 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 1969 Reliant Rebel. 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, 1969 Reliant Rebel (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Reliant Rebel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1969 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | Mehari | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
