1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 965 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mehari | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
