1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 19 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 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForFour weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 2006 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1987 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1987 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Citroen | Smart |
| Model | Mehari | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
