1974 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1979 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chrysler Valiant (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 849 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chrysler Valiant 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 1974 Chrysler Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1974 Chrysler Valiant (272 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chrysler Valiant | 1979 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Chrysler | Citroen |
| Model | Valiant | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
