1986 Avanti Avanti vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1986 Avanti Avanti is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Avanti Avanti (212 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 1065 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Avanti Avanti 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 1986 Avanti Avanti. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1986 Avanti Avanti (400 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari. 1986 Avanti Avanti has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Avanti Avanti | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Avanti | Citroen |
| Model | Avanti | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 5001 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
