1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 27 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 807 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, 2008 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Focus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
