1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 25 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 420 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari. 2005 Smart ForFour 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. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Citroen Mehari | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
Make | Citroen | Smart |
Model | Mehari | ForFour |
Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1499 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 40 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 975 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |