1968 Ford Escort vs. 1994 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 125 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1994 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
