1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Citroen DS (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 703 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Citroen DS (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Citroen | Citroen |
| Model | Mehari | DS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 65 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3130 mm |
