1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Citroen Mehari is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 255 kg more than 1986 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Citroen Mehari | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
Model | Mehari | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 104 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 | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |