1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 26 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), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 711 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, 2009 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari. 2009 Ford Focus 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. 2009 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Focus |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| 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 | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
