1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1965 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Opel Rekord (90 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Opel Rekord weights approximately 475 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 1965 Opel Rekord 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 1965 Opel Rekord. 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, 1965 Opel Rekord (146 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1965 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
