2001 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 378 kg more than 2001 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. 2012 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2001 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2001 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Suzuki Samurai | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
