1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 744 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
