1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 435 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Santana |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| 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 | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
