1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1974 Austin Marina
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin Marina weights approximately 325 kg more than 1985 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Austin Marina 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 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari. 1974 Austin Marina has automatic transmission and 1985 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1985 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Austin Marina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1974 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Citroen | Austin |
| Model | Mehari | Marina |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
