Comparing the new Hummer H3 to a 1976 Pinzgauer

The Walk Around

Its funny how both these 4x4s have gotten so many mixed reviews. My brother came up from Vegas to visit and we thought we would put these two to a simple easy comparison just to see for ourselves. The first obvious things noticed were size comparison and ground clearance differences!

Dirt Road Test

Next we went down the road to a small field to play around. There is a dirt road that has good washboard. My brother and I ran up and down the road several times. Swapping vehicles, positions, speeds, driving habits, it was determined that the old Pinzgauer was a smoother ride taking on the bumps. Although the Hummer H3 was easier to drive(PS,PB).

Hill Test

We then went to a small sandy hill and thought we would try it out. Pulling the H3 up to the hill, it was obvious it had clearance issues. It was to our surprise that it went right up without much fuss. The steps did rub the ground a little.

Next up was the Pinzgauer. It had little issue and had plenty of ground clearance. We were surprised that it dug in a little, but chalked it up to skinny of bias ply tires!

The Ditch Test

Next we headed to the nearest ditch. We knew the Pinzgauer has little flex! Guess what--we were right! Didnt take much at all the get a wheel off the ground! But with the lockers it just rolled right on thru.

The Hummer H3 did ok. It had alot more flex! But with the lack of lockers, it got alot of wheel spin. Here the pinz went thru with ease, but the Hummer struggled a little.

Bottom line as usual is that they both have thier place. Long road trip across america, Id take the Hummer. Mountain trips with mud, rock, and rivers--Hands down the Pinzgauer. We were a little surprised at the lack of comfort given in the H3, but not really surprised in the Pinz. The Pinz is deffinatly all about function! Although the Pinz was slower to get going, we were also surprised at the lack of power the Hummer had. The Pinzgauer also got better gas mileage. The Hummers air condition sure was nice though. All in all, Id take the Pinzgauer. I think my brother would still take the H3!LOL--guess more "tests" are in order.