1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 911 weights approximately 705 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 1981 Porsche 911 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 1981 Porsche 911. 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, 1981 Porsche 911 (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Citroen | Porsche |
| Model | Mehari | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
