1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 365 kg more than 1987 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
