1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 1975 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1985 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Chrysler Centura would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Chrysler Centura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Chrysler Centura weights approximately 560 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 1975 Chrysler Centura 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 1975 Chrysler Centura. 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, 1975 Chrysler Centura (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Chrysler Centura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari. 1975 Chrysler Centura has automatic transmission and 1985 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1985 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Chrysler Centura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 1975 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | Citroen | Chrysler |
| Model | Mehari | Centura |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
