1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 13 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 575 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
