1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 592 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mehari | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
