2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1980 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | 159 | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
