1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 27 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 1445 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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Citroen | Kia |
| Model | Mehari | Optima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
