1996 Rover 400 vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 400 (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Rover 400 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 400 | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Rover | Suzuki |
| Model | 400 | Alto |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2160 mm |
