1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1197 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mehari | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
