The David and Goliath of off-road SUVs collide
Here’s a gauntlet designed for off-road vehicles, but there’s a twist. It will be undertaken by two completely different SUVs from different parts of the world.
Not only that, but the cars are mismatched to the point that they share little in common. Thanks to the CarWow YouTube channelwe can attend the GMC Hummer H2 goes up against another lesser known but still excellent 4×4 vehicle – the tiny Suzuki Jimny.
With tons less size and horsepower, will the thin-wheeled Jimny be able to take on an American car that offers so much more of everything, including grip, power and technology? Let’s find out.
The Suzuki Jimny versus the GMC Hummer on an off-road course
It’s a real David versus Goliath race. First, we look at the numbers on paper which show a disparity similar to the obvious size difference already shown here.
The Suzuki Jimny, a car already very popular with farmers, rural dwellers and drivers who have to face difficult conditions, is a model of the 70s that has undergone various evolutions throughout its life.
One thing is clear. This car is on the other end of the spectrum from the GMC Hummer. With a 1.5-litre gasoline I4 engine (no turbo, no hybrid technology and no compressor), it develops 101 hp and a puny 96 lb-ft of torque. However, it weighs around 2400 pounds.
GMC’s Hummer H2 has a 6.2-liter V8 that develops 393 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. With that in mind, the numbers might not make such a big difference later in this series of races that make up an SUV gauntlet.
GMC’s own Hummer is heavy but mighty on the Dirt Gauntlet
The first challenge is a steep incline, which could be overcome with the power of the Hummer or the thin wheels and light weight of the Jimny. The Jimny wins, rising much faster this time.
Then there’s a mini-course that features a tight turn around a tree and the Jimny potentially wins again due to its smaller size and shorter wheelbase.
Another set of challenges involves very steep approach angles and large holes in the ground where each car is subjected to wheels lifting through the air and bottoms scraping mud. After this test there is the final challenger who really tests the cars and decides who is really king.
A Hummer’s Goliath climbs a very steep hill full of rocks and potholes, reaching the top in 3 tries.
‘David’ from Suzuki tries 4 times then Mat Watson our presenter changes tactics. By shifting gears while running, the Suzuki also clears the peak and is also faster than the Hummer.
We learned today that both cars are capable, but also, don’t always write off something smaller and more modest. This may be the best way to go.