1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Citroen Mehari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 745 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.
Because 1980 Reliant Scimitar 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 1980 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | Mehari | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
