1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1999 MCC Smart
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 20 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 799 cc (3 cylinders), 1999 MCC Smart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 MCC Smart (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 MCC Smart should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 MCC Smart weights approximately 165 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 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. 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, 1999 MCC Smart (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 MCC Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 1999 MCC Smart 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. 1999 MCC Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Citroen Mehari | 1999 MCC Smart | |
Make | Citroen | MCC |
Model | Mehari | Smart |
Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 601 cc | 799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 40 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 720 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 2510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1810 mm |