1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 19 (79 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 19 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1983 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, 1988 Renault 19 (107 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 19 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari. 1988 Renault 19 has automatic transmission and 1983 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1983 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Renault 19 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Mehari | 19 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
