1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 1295 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Impala 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 1996 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1996 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1981 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1981 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Impala | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
