2006 Honda Element vs. 1997 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1997 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1997 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Element | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
