1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, both 1983 Citroen Mehari and 1983 Lotus Excel were released in the same year (1983). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 580 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 1983 Lotus Excel 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 Lotus Excel. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1983 Citroen Mehari | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | Mehari | Excel |
Year Released | 1983 | 1983 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1135 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1020 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |