1988 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 495 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 Volvo V50. 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 Volvo V50 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. 2006 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Samurai | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volvo |
| Model | Samurai | V50 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
