1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1962 Renault Caravelle
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Renault Caravelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Renault Caravelle would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Renault Caravelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Renault Caravelle (35 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Renault Caravelle should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Renault Caravelle weights approximately 204 kg more than 1982 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Renault Caravelle 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 1962 Renault Caravelle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1962 Renault Caravelle (59 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Renault Caravelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1962 Renault Caravelle | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Mehari | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
