1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1983 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 1983 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 601 cc (2 cylinders), 1979 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1983 Suzuki Jimny. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1983 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Suzuki Jimny weights approximately 135 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1983 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Suzuki Jimny 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, 1983 Suzuki Jimny (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Suzuki Jimny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1983 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2040 mm |
