1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1110 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
