1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 1969 Fiat 500
To start off, 1986 Citroen Mehari is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 602 cc (2 cylinders), 1986 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 45 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Fiat 500 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Citroen Mehari (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen Mehari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Mehari | 1969 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | 500 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1850 mm |
