2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,498 cc, 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1128 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Land Rover | Suzuki |
| Model | Defender | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1298 cc |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 68 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2058 kg | 930 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
