1990 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 360 kg more than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Suzuki Samurai | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
