1996 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 328 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. 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 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. 2000 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Samurai | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
