1988 Citroen Mehari vs. 2003 Fiat Punto
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,240 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Punto (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Punto weights approximately 305 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.
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, 2003 Fiat Punto (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen Mehari | 2003 Fiat Punto | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Mehari | Punto |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1240 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
