1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2002 Jaguar S-Type
To start off, 2002 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 23 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 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar S-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar S-Type (205 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 1113 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 2002 Jaguar S-Type 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 2002 Jaguar S-Type. 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, 2002 Jaguar S-Type (250 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 2002 Jaguar S-Type 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. 2002 Jaguar S-Type will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2002 Jaguar S-Type | |
| Make | Citroen | Jaguar |
| Model | Mehari | S-Type |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2920 mm |
