1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2009 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2009 Saturn Sky is newer by 28 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Sky (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Sky weights approximately 789 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 2009 Saturn Sky 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 2009 Saturn Sky. 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, 2009 Saturn Sky (353 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2009 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Citroen | Saturn |
| Model | Mehari | Sky |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |
