1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 297 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 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
