1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 21 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 728 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mehari | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1984 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
