1973 Honda Life vs. 1998 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 690 kg more than 1973 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Honda Life. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Life. (29 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Life | 1998 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Life | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 29 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
