1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Lotus Elite weights approximately 25 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 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Mehari | Elite |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2240 mm |
