1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 795 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.
Because 1980 Volvo 260 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 1980 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1980 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 1980 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1987 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1987 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | Mehari | 260 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
