1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1997 Plymouth Neon is newer by 8 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 179 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 1997 Plymouth Neon. 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, 1997 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 1997 Plymouth Neon has automatic transmission and 1989 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Suzuki Samurai | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Suzuki | Plymouth |
| Model | Samurai | Neon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
