1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1949 Jensen Interceptor
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Jensen Interceptor (130 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 944 kg more than 1985 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Jensen Interceptor 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 1949 Jensen Interceptor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1949 Jensen Interceptor (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1949 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1949 Jensen Interceptor | |
| Make | Citroen | Jensen |
| Model | Mehari | Interceptor |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
