1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1958 Ford Escort
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ford Escort (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Escort weights approximately 262 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 1958 Ford Escort 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 1958 Ford Escort. 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, 1958 Ford Escort (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1958 Ford Escort | |
Make | Citroen | Ford |
Model | Mehari | Escort |
Year Released | 1979 | 1958 |
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 | 31 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 71 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 817 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1550 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2220 mm |