1984 Citroen Mehari vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1984 Citroen Mehari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1984 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen Mehari. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1984 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1984 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1984 Citroen Mehari | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
Model | Mehari | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 602 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 39 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |