1988 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 70 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1988 Honda Civic (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
