1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1995 Ferrari 512 M
To start off, 1995 Ferrari 512 M is newer by 16 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 4,942 cc, 1995 Ferrari 512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ferrari 512 M (423 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 394 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ferrari 512 M should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ferrari 512 M weights approximately 900 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 1995 Ferrari 512 M 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 1995 Ferrari 512 M. 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, 1995 Ferrari 512 M (500 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Ferrari 512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1995 Ferrari 512 M | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Mehari | 512 M |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
