1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1957 Ford Popular
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Ford Popular is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Popular weights approximately 183 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1957 Ford Popular 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 Ford Popular. 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 Ford Popular (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Ford Popular will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1957 Ford Popular | |
Make | Citroen | Ford |
Model | Mehari | Popular |
Year Released | 1979 | 1957 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 1172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 26 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 63 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 738 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2300 mm |