1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2003 Honda Insight
To start off, 2003 Honda Insight is newer by 22 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 995 cc (3 cylinders), 2003 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Insight (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Insight weights approximately 285 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, 2003 Honda Insight (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2003 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Citroen | Honda |
| Model | Mehari | Insight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
