1964 Honda S500 vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1964 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1964 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 250 kg more than 1964 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1964 Honda S500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1989 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Honda S500 | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | S500 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 491 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2490 mm |
