1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2005 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2005 Toyota Solara is newer by 16 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Solara (161 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Solara weights approximately 465 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 2005 Toyota Solara. 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, 2005 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Suzuki Samurai | 2005 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | Solara |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
