1979 Renault 4 vs. 2004 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2004 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 485 kg more than 1979 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Renault 4. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 4 | 2004 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Renault | Suzuki |
| Model | 4 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 955 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 695 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
