1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1977 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Carina (124 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Carina weights approximately 130 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 1977 Toyota Carina. 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, 1977 Toyota Carina (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Suzuki Samurai | 1977 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | Carina |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
