1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1965 Mitsubishi 500
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mitsubishi 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mitsubishi 500 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 6 more horse power than 1965 Mitsubishi 500. (23 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1965 Mitsubishi 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 25 kg more than 1965 Mitsubishi 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Mitsubishi 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 1965 Mitsubishi 500. 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, 1987 Citroen Mehari (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mitsubishi 500. (34 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Citroen Mehari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mitsubishi 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1965 Mitsubishi 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Mehari | 500 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 34 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2070 mm |
