1974 Honda Life vs. 1980 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 537 cc (3 cylinders), 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Honda Life (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1974 Honda Life.
Because 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Honda Life. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Life | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 537 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 1940 mm |
