1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1997 Volkswagen Gol
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Gol is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Gol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Gol (49 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Gol should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Gol weights approximately 340 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, 1997 Volkswagen Gol (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Gol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1997 Volkswagen Gol | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Gol |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
