1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1235 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 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari. 2012 Toyota Highlander 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. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen Mehari | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | Mehari | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2789 mm |
