2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai

To start off, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (381 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 898 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.

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, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (548 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1989 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1989 Suzuki Samurai
Make Jeep Suzuki
Model Grand Cherokee Samurai
Year Released 2009 1989
Body Type SUV SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5654 cc 1298 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 381 HP 68 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 548 Nm 103 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.6:1 9.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD 4WD
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1828 kg 930 kg
Vehicle Length 4780 mm 3450 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1540 mm
Vehicle Height 1760 mm 1670 mm
Wheelbase Size 2790 mm 2490 mm