1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 525 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.
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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Escort |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
