1978 Opel Manta vs. 1995 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1995 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Manta (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1995 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1995 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 120 kg more than 1995 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Manta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 1995 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Manta | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
