1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 489 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1495 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.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 727 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1981 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Citroen Mehari | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mehari | SL |
Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 7291 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 518 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5550 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 766 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |