1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1979 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 1230 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 1976 Bristol 603 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 1976 Bristol 603. 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1979 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1979 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 603 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1979 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 603 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
