1989 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2012 Honda Pilot

To start off, 2012 Honda Pilot is newer by 23 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Pilot weights approximately 1018 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 2012 Honda Pilot. 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, 2012 Honda Pilot (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 2012 Honda Pilot 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. 2012 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1989 Suzuki Samurai 2012 Honda Pilot
Make Suzuki Honda
Model Samurai Pilot
Year Released 1989 2012
Body Type SUV SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1298 cc 3500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 68 HP 250 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 103 Nm 343 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4800 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual 5-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 7 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 930 kg 1948 kg
Vehicle Length 3450 mm 4862 mm
Vehicle Width 1540 mm 1994 mm
Vehicle Height 1670 mm 1847 mm
Wheelbase Size 2490 mm 2774 mm