2004 Cadillac Catera vs. 1979 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Catera is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Cadillac Catera 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 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari. 2004 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1979 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1979 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac Catera | 1979 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Cadillac | Citroen |
| Model | Catera | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
