1996 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 8 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 522 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | M3 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
