1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 19 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 480 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Citroen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Mehari | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
