2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 711 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Cobalt | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
