1994 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 445 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Suzuki Samurai | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| 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 | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
