1981 Citroen Mehari vs. 2005 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Alto is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 657 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Suzuki Alto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Suzuki Alto (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Alto should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Suzuki Alto weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Suzuki Alto is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Alto 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 Suzuki Alto (56 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Suzuki Alto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari. 2005 Suzuki Alto has automatic transmission and 1981 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1981 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Suzuki Alto will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen Mehari | 2005 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | Alto |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 56 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
