1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1965 BMW 3200 CS
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 BMW 3200 CS (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 BMW 3200 CS should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 BMW 3200 CS weights approximately 945 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 1965 BMW 3200 CS 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 1965 BMW 3200 CS. 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, 1965 BMW 3200 CS (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 BMW 3200 CS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1965 BMW 3200 CS | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | Mehari | 3200 CS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2840 mm |
