1987 Nissan Prairie vs. 1994 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan Prairie (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Prairie should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 45 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Nissan Prairie. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1987 Nissan Prairie (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Nissan Prairie | 1994 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Nissan | Suzuki |
| Model | Prairie | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
