1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1983 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 705 kg more than 1983 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1983 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | SZ | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
