1974 Mini MK III vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mini MK III would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1974 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 320 kg more than 1974 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mini MK III. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mini MK III | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mini | Suzuki |
| Model | MK III | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2490 mm |
