1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1984 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 4,269 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1984 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (279 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Citroen | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Mehari | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 4269 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2850 mm |
