2004 Ford Fusion vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2004 Ford Fusion is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 79 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fusion weights approximately 149 kg more than 1998 Suzuki Vitara.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Fusion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fusion. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fusion | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Fusion | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
