1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 597 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 1972 Ford Mustang. 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Mustang | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1527 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2490 mm |
