1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1967 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1967 Wartburg 312 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Wartburg 312 (45 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Wartburg 312 should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 359 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.
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, 1967 Wartburg 312 (98 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1967 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1967 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Citroen | Wartburg |
| Model | Mehari | 312 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
