1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2005 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 24 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Panda weights approximately 305 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, 2005 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2005 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | Panda |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
