1988 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 156 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Samurai | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| 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 | 68 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
