1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1971 Jensen SP
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jensen SP. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen SP would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen SP (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen SP should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 1225 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 1971 Jensen SP 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 1971 Jensen SP. 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, 1971 Jensen SP (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 518 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen SP will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari. 1971 Jensen SP has automatic transmission and 1982 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1982 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen SP will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1971 Jensen SP | |
| Make | Citroen | Jensen |
| Model | Mehari | SP |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 557 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1783 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
