1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 18 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 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (155 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 425 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 2007 Toyota Highlander 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. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Suzuki Samurai | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
