1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Citroen Mehari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 445 kg more than 1983 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Mehari | Beta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
