1986 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 310 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1998 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
