1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1959 NSU Prinz I
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 NSU Prinz I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 NSU Prinz I would be higher. At 602 cc (2 cylinders), 1987 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1959 NSU Prinz I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 39 kg more than 1959 NSU Prinz I. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 NSU Prinz I 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 1959 NSU Prinz I. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1959 NSU Prinz I (41 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 NSU Prinz I will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Citroen Mehari | 1959 NSU Prinz I | |
Make | Citroen | NSU |
Model | Mehari | Prinz I |
Year Released | 1987 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 583 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 20 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 41 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 516 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2010 mm |