1986 Suzuki Jimny vs. 1997 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1997 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Jimny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Jimny would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Suzuki Vitara (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. (38 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 210 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. (59 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Jimny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Suzuki Jimny | 1997 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Suzuki | Suzuki |
| Model | Jimny | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 543 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 59 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2210 mm |
