1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,869 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1996 Honda Ballade (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2003 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Ballade | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
