1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1988 Citroen Mehari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 5 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1988 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Renault 5 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 1979 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Mehari | 5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
