1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (155 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 748 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Mehari | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
