1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Europa weights approximately 55 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 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Mehari | Europa |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
