1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1974 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,194 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Opel Ascona (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Ascona weights approximately 352 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 1974 Opel Ascona 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 1974 Opel Ascona. 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, 1974 Opel Ascona (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1974 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
