1997 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Escort weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1997 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Escort | 1998 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
