1995 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Escort (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 20 kg more than 1995 Ford Escort.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1995 Ford Escort (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
