1996 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (162 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 565 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Samurai | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samurai | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
