1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Rover P4 (51 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 825 kg more than 1987 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Rover P4 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 1956 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1956 Rover P4 (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Citroen | Rover |
| Model | Mehari | P4 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2830 mm |
