1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 799 cc (3 cylinders), 2004 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 250 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 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2004 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Citroen Mehari | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Citroen | Smart |
Model | Mehari | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 40 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 2510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1520 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |