1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Rekord (100 HP) has 71 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 565 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 1978 Opel Rekord 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 1978 Opel Rekord. 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, 1978 Opel Rekord (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
