1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Cherry (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 325 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, 1978 Nissan Cherry (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 1978 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1987 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1987 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | Mehari | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| 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 | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
