1999 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 80 kg more than 1999 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, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Suzuki Samurai | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Suzuki | Suzuki |
| Model | Samurai | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2210 mm |
