1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 485 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 1973 Ford Cortina 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 1973 Ford Cortina. 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, 1973 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Citroen | Ford |
Model | Mehari | Cortina |
Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 56 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 91 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |