1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1956 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Renault Dauphine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Renault Dauphine (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Renault Dauphine should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Renault Dauphine weights approximately 77 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 1956 Renault Dauphine 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 1956 Renault Dauphine. 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, 1956 Renault Dauphine (46 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Renault Dauphine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1956 Renault Dauphine | |
Make | Citroen | Renault |
Model | Mehari | Dauphine |
Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 845 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 33 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 46 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 632 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2280 mm |