1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 28 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 1,247 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Ka (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Ka weights approximately 500 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.
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, 2012 Ford Ka (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | Ka |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1247 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
