1988 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 313 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 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1988 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Samurai | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
