1959 Cadillac 62 vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 1663 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Cadillac 62 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 Cadillac 62. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 543 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari. 1959 Cadillac 62 has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac 62 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac 62 | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Cadillac | Citroen |
| Model | 62 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6381 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2218 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2410 mm |
