1980 Citroen Mehari vs. 1976 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1980 Citroen Mehari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 602 cc (2 cylinders), 1980 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1976 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Because 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Citroen Mehari. (40 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Citroen Mehari | 1976 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 602 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 | 40 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1940 mm |
