1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1982 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 15 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 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 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1982 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 1700 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
