1985 Citroen Mehari vs. 2012 Ford E-350
To start off, 2012 Ford E-350 is newer by 27 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-350 weights approximately 2275 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 2012 Ford E-350 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 2012 Ford E-350. 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, 2012 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen Mehari. 2012 Ford E-350 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. 2012 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen Mehari | 2012 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Mehari | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3505 mm |
