1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1977 Nissan Violet
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Violet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Violet would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Violet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Nissan Violet (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Nissan Violet should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Nissan Violet weights approximately 320 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 Nissan Violet 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 Nissan Violet. 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 Nissan Violet (113 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Nissan Violet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1977 Nissan Violet | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | Mehari | Violet |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
