1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Sierra weights approximately 460 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 1988 Ford Sierra 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 1988 Ford Sierra. 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, 1988 Ford Sierra (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
