1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 2395 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 1978 ZIL 117 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 1978 ZIL 117. 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 531 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Citroen | ZIL |
| Model | Mehari | 117 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3310 mm |
