1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 29 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 843 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, 2008 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
