1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 475 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.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1986 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1986 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Citroen Mehari | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Citroen | Mazda |
Model | Mehari | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 137 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 163 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2300 mm |