1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 30 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 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 454 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 1040 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 2009 Ferrari F430 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 2009 Ferrari F430. 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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | Mehari | F430 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
