1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1997 Opel Frontera
To start off, 1997 Opel Frontera is newer by 17 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Opel Frontera (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Frontera weights approximately 1084 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 1997 Opel Frontera 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, 1997 Opel Frontera 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, 1997 Opel Frontera (203 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1997 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1639 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
