1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1986 Citroen Mehari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 435 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1986 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1986 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Mehari | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Mehari | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
