1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1973 Rover 2000
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Rover 2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover 2000 (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover 2000 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover 2000 weights approximately 740 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 Rover 2000 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 Rover 2000. 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 Rover 2000 (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Rover 2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1973 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Citroen | Rover |
| Model | Mehari | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
