1991 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1991 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1991 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 126 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1991 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1991 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1991 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Suzuki Samurai | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
