1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1996 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 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 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 1000 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 1996 Dodge Viper 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 1996 Dodge Viper. 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 625 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1996 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Citroen | Dodge |
| Model | Mehari | Viper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
