1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1982 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1983 Citroen Mehari is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,817 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Pontiac 1000 (52 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Pontiac 1000 should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 465 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 1982 Pontiac 1000 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 1982 Pontiac 1000. 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, 1982 Pontiac 1000 (99 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Pontiac 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1982 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | Mehari | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1817 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
