1971 Chevrolet El Camino vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino weights approximately 541 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 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 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. 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, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino has automatic transmission and 1989 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | El Camino | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2490 mm |
