2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1987 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Caterham Superlight R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 65 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Because 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 2002 Caterham Superlight R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Caterham Superlight R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1987 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | Superlight R | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
