1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 425 kg more than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1999 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Mustang | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2490 mm |
