1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1957 Fiat 600
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 633 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Fiat 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Fiat 600 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1957 Fiat 600 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 1957 Fiat 600. 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, 1957 Fiat 600 (41 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Fiat 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1957 Fiat 600 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | 600 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 633 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 41 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2010 mm |
