2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 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 1,137 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 115 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 2000 Caterham 7. 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
