1986 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 294 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Suzuki Samurai | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
