1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1973 Seat 1430
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Seat 1430. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Seat 1430 would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Seat 1430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Seat 1430 (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Seat 1430 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Seat 1430 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1988 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Seat 1430 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 1973 Seat 1430. 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, 1973 Seat 1430 (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Seat 1430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1973 Seat 1430 | |
| Make | Citroen | Seat |
| Model | Mehari | 1430 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
