1985 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,869 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 5 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 2003 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2003 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 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 | 1080 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
