1959 BMW 700 vs. 1982 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 695 cc (2 cylinders), 1959 BMW 700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 700 (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 700 should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 700 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1982 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 BMW 700 (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1982 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 700 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
