1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 30 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1277 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 2011 Dodge Nitro 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 2011 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 2011 Dodge Nitro 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. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Citroen | Dodge |
| Model | Mehari | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2764 mm |
