1961 Subaru 360 vs. 1981 Suzuki Fronte
To start off, 1981 Suzuki Fronte is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 543 cc (3 cylinders), 1981 Suzuki Fronte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Suzuki Fronte (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1961 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Suzuki Fronte should accelerate faster than 1961 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Suzuki Fronte weights approximately 170 kg more than 1961 Subaru 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Subaru 360 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 1961 Subaru 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Suzuki Fronte, 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 Suzuki Fronte (41 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Suzuki Fronte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Subaru 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Subaru 360 | 1981 Suzuki Fronte | |
| Make | Subaru | Suzuki |
| Model | 360 | Fronte |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 41 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 385 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2160 mm |
