1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1973 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1979 Citroen Mehari is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,166 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Toyota Corolla (62 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 231 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 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 Toyota Corolla (94 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1973 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2290 mm |
