1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Dodge Mirada (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 770 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Dodge Mirada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1980 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Dodge | Suzuki |
| Model | Mirada | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2490 mm |
