1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 1999 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 1999 Subaru Legacy is newer by 18 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 955 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 1999 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Subaru Legacy (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 1999 Subaru Legacy 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. 1999 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 1999 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Citroen | Subaru |
| Model | Mehari | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
