1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 27 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 2,737 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 510 kg more than 1979 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 2737 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
