1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 205 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2001 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Mustang | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1868 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2490 mm |
