1986 Citroen Mehari vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1267 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Mehari. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Mehari | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
