1968 Ford 12 M vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 12 M 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 24 more horse power than 1968 Ford 12 M. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 80 kg more than 1968 Ford 12 M. 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 1968 Ford 12 M. 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 12 M. (80 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 12 M | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | 12 M | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1182 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 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 |
