1982 Citroen Mehari vs. 1972 Suzuki Fronte
To start off, 1982 Citroen Mehari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Suzuki Fronte. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Suzuki Fronte would be higher. At 602 cc (2 cylinders), 1982 Citroen Mehari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Citroen Mehari (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Suzuki Fronte. (20 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Citroen Mehari should accelerate faster than 1972 Suzuki Fronte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 118 kg more than 1972 Suzuki Fronte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Suzuki Fronte is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Suzuki Fronte. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Citroen Mehari, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1982 Citroen Mehari (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Suzuki Fronte. (37 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Citroen Mehari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Suzuki Fronte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Citroen Mehari | 1972 Suzuki Fronte | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | Fronte |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 558 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1970 mm |
