2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1990 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,260 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1990 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | 3 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1298 cc |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2490 mm |
