1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 1998 Ferrari 456M
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 456M is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 406 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 1135 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 1998 Ferrari 456M 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 1998 Ferrari 456M. 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, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 511 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari. 1998 Ferrari 456M has automatic transmission and 1984 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1984 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ferrari 456M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 1998 Ferrari 456M | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Mehari | 456M |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2600 mm |
