1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1965 ZAZ 966
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 ZAZ 966. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 ZAZ 966 would be higher. At 887 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 ZAZ 966 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1965 ZAZ 966. (27 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1965 ZAZ 966. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 ZAZ 966 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1965 ZAZ 966 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 ZAZ 966. 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 ZAZ 966 (52 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 ZAZ 966 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1965 ZAZ 966 | |
| Make | Citroen | ZAZ |
| Model | Mehari | 966 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 887 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2170 mm |
