1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1961 Singer Gazelle
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Singer Gazelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Singer Gazelle would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Singer Gazelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Singer Gazelle (52 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Singer Gazelle should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Singer Gazelle weights approximately 489 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 1961 Singer Gazelle 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 1961 Singer Gazelle. 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, 1961 Singer Gazelle (118 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Singer Gazelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1961 Singer Gazelle | |
| Make | Citroen | Singer |
| Model | Mehari | Gazelle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
