1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 280 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 1994 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Suzuki Samurai | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1994 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
