1983 Citroen Mehari vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 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 2,494 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 820 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.
Because 2009 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Mehari. 2009 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Citroen Mehari | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
