1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 2004 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2004 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 17 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 625 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 2004 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Citroen Mehari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2004 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 2004 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Citroen | Suzuki |
| Model | Mehari | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
