1980 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2004 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 24 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2004 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 330 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 2004 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, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2004 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
