1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Fiat 126
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 126 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1980 Fiat 126 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 Fiat 126. 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 Fiat 126 (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Fiat 126 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | 126 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1850 mm |
