1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 1400 kg more than 1987 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 GMC 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 1998 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1987 Citroen Mehari has manual transmission. 1987 Citroen Mehari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Citroen | GMC |
| Model | Mehari | Safari |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2830 mm |
