1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp weights approximately 1145 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 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp 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 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp. 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, 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp (450 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp 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. 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp | |
| Make | Citroen | De Tomaso |
| Model | Mehari | Longchamp |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 5763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
