1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 is newer by 33 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C5 (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 1245 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, 2012 Citroen C5 (290 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 2012 Citroen C5 has automatic transmission and 1979 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1979 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Citroen |
| Model | Mehari | C5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
