1998 Suzuki Vitara vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 2 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 60 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.
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, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Suzuki Vitara | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Suzuki | Suzuki |
| Model | Vitara | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2490 mm |
