1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Lexus LS
To start off, 2006 Lexus LS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus LS (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus LS weights approximately 1210 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 2006 Lexus LS 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 2006 Lexus LS. 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, 2006 Lexus LS (423 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari. 2006 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1988 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1988 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Citroen | Lexus |
| Model | Mehari | LS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 4294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2930 mm |
