1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1971 Holden Belmont
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Belmont would be higher. At 2,833 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Holden Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Belmont (116 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Belmont should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Belmont weights approximately 785 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 1971 Holden Belmont 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 1971 Holden Belmont. 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, 1971 Holden Belmont (228 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Belmont will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1971 Holden Belmont | |
| Make | Citroen | Holden |
| Model | Mehari | Belmont |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2833 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2830 mm |
