1997 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1266 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Suzuki Vitara | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitara | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 100 L |
