1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 910 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1984 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1984 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mehari | SLK |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
