1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 1957 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1984 Citroen Mehari is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Peugeot 203 would be higher. At 1,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Peugeot 203 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Peugeot 203 (44 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Peugeot 203 should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1984 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Peugeot 203 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Peugeot 203. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Citroen Mehari, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1957 Peugeot 203 (74 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Peugeot 203 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 1957 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Citroen | Peugeot |
| Model | Mehari | 203 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 44 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2790 mm |
