1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 1005 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1979 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1979 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mehari | 380 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |