1966 Ford 12 M vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford 12 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 55 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Ford 12 M. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1966 Ford 12 M (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Ford 12 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | 12 M | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
