France vs France — 1968 vs 1996
| Mehari Standard | Saxo VTS 16V | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 29 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 29 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1,587 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 7.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 62 mph | 126 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,179 lbs | 2,061 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm | 2,379 mm |
| Length | 3,530 mm | 3,718 mm |
| Units Produced | 144,953 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $15,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1996 Citroen Saxo VTS 16V answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Citroen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard with the 1996 Citroen Saxo VTS 16V highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1996 Citroen Saxo VTS 16V holds a clear advantage in raw power with 120 hp compared to 29 hp, a 91-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroen Mehari uses a Flat-2 Air-cooled displacing 602 cc, while the Citroen Saxo relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V with 1,587 cc. The 1996 Citroen Saxo VTS 16V claims a higher top speed at 126 mph compared to 62 mph. The Citroen Mehari carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 882 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard commands a significant premium over the 1996 Citroen Saxo VTS 16V, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.