1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2007 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 28 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 895 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, 2007 Hyundai Elantra (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2007 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Citroen | Hyundai |
| Model | Mehari | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
