1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 505 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. 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 1971 Ford Mustang. 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Mustang | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2490 mm |
