1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 730 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Mehari | Thema |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
