1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1959 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Renault Dauphine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Renault Dauphine (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Renault Dauphine should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Renault Dauphine weights approximately 77 kg more than 1987 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. 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 Renault Dauphine (45 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm). This means 1959 Renault Dauphine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1959 Renault Dauphine | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Mehari | Dauphine |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 45 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2280 mm |
