1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Lotus Elite weights approximately 25 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 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. 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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Mehari | Elite |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2240 mm |
