1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1979 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Subaru Leone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Subaru Leone (66 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Subaru Leone should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Subaru Leone weights approximately 445 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 1979 Subaru Leone is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Subaru Leone will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Subaru Leone (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Subaru Leone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1979 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | Citroen | Subaru |
| Model | Mehari | Leone |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
