1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 470 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 1977 Lancia Beta 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 1977 Lancia Beta. 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, 1977 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Mehari | Beta |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
