1980 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 35 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Escort. 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 Ford Escort (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2490 mm |
