1981 BMW 528 vs. 2001 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 528. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2001 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 528 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
