1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1959 Talbot Lago America
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Talbot Lago America. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Talbot Lago America would be higher. At 2,351 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Talbot Lago America is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Talbot Lago America (81 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Talbot Lago America should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Talbot Lago America weights approximately 420 kg more than 1988 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Talbot Lago America 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 1959 Talbot Lago America. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1959 Talbot Lago America (191 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Talbot Lago America will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1959 Talbot Lago America | |
| Make | Citroen | Talbot |
| Model | Mehari | Lago America |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
