1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 530 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 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2690 mm |
