1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1980 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 1,771 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 BMW 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1800 weights approximately 303 kg more than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 BMW 1800. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1962 BMW 1800 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 1800 | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 537 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 1940 mm |
