2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1980 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 29 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 5,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (319 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1980 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 705 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.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 2009 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (498 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari. 2009 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1980 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1980 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1980 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Express | Mehari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 319 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 12 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2410 mm |
