1996 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Tercel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Samurai | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
