1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Taunus weights approximately 215 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Ford Taunus. 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, 1989 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Taunus | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 68 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
