1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 25 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 1023 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 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 2012 Nissan 370Z. 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | Mehari | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
