2009 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 755 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Honda | Suzuki |
| Model | Civic | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
