1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 535 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 1971 Opel Rekord 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 1971 Opel Rekord. 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, 1971 Opel Rekord (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
