1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2004 Toyota Prius is newer by 22 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Prius (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1982 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Prius weights approximately 742 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Toyota Prius (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Citroen Mehari. 2004 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1982 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1982 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | Prius |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
