1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2003 Opel Corsa
To start off, 2003 Opel Corsa is newer by 24 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 998 cc (3 cylinders), 2003 Opel Corsa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Corsa (58 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Corsa should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Corsa weights approximately 350 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, 2003 Opel Corsa (88 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Corsa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2003 Opel Corsa | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Corsa |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
