1948 Allard J1 vs. 1985 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,915 cc (8 cylinders), 1948 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Allard J1 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1985 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Allard J1 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 1948 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1948 Allard J1 (305 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Allard J1 | 1985 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Allard | Citroen |
| Model | J1 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3915 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
