1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1986 Citroen Mehari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 330 kg more than 1986 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1965 Riley Kestrel (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 Riley Kestrel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Mehari | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Citroen | Riley |
| Model | Mehari | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
