France vs France — 1968 vs 1993
| Mehari Standard | Xantia Activa | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 29 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 29 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 62 mph | 134 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,179 lbs | 3,020 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm | 2,740 mm |
| Length | 3,530 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Units Produced | 144,953 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $18,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1993 Citroen Xantia Activa 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 1993 Citroen Xantia Activa highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1993 Citroen Xantia Activa holds a clear advantage in raw power with 150 hp compared to 29 hp, a 121-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 Xantia relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V with 1,998 cc. The 1993 Citroen Xantia Activa claims a higher top speed at 134 mph compared to 62 mph. The Citroen Mehari carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1841 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1968 Citroen Mehari Standard commands a significant premium over the 1993 Citroen Xantia Activa, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.