1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1277 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | Mehari | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2890 mm |
