1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Optima weights approximately 907 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, 2011 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 2011 Kia Optima 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. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Citroen | Kia |
| Model | Mehari | Optima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2797 mm |
