1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1994 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 560 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1994 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Nova | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
