1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H
To start off, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H 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 2,787 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 SsangYong Chairman H is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H (198 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H weights approximately 1075 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 SsangYong Chairman H 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 1997 SsangYong Chairman H. 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, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H (272 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 SsangYong Chairman H will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1997 SsangYong Chairman H | |
| Make | Citroen | SsangYong |
| Model | Mehari | Chairman H |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2787 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
