1977 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 255 kg more than 1977 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2490 mm |
