1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 2002 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 171 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 947 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird 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 2002 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2002 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 2002 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | Mehari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
