1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Chrysler Avenger
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler Avenger would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Chrysler Avenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chrysler Avenger (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chrysler Avenger should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chrysler Avenger 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.
Because 1980 Chrysler Avenger 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 1980 Chrysler Avenger. 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, 1980 Chrysler Avenger (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Chrysler Avenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 1980 Chrysler Avenger 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. 1980 Chrysler Avenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Chrysler Avenger | |
| Make | Citroen | Chrysler |
| Model | Mehari | Avenger |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
