1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1105 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mehari | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
