1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1993 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1993 Peugeot 405 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,903 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Peugeot 405 (152 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 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, 1993 Peugeot 405 (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 1993 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Citroen | Peugeot |
| Model | Mehari | 405 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
