Suzuki Samurai SJ 1.3 (SJ 413) (64 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 1.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Suzuki Samurai:

The Suzuki Jimny is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUV, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.
Originally belonging to the kei class, Japan's light automobile tax/legal class, the company continues to market a kei-compliant version for the Japanese and global markets as the Jimny, as well as versions that exceed kei-class limitations. Suzuki has marketed 2. 85 million units of the Jimny in 194 countries through September 2018....(Read more on Wikipedia)

SJ Overview:

Suzuki Samurai (SJ). With 100 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.7 l/100km). Weighing only 965 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 140 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Suzuki Samurai (SJ) generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. Its design predates modern safety standards, and it is generally considered to have very basic safety features by contemporary measures.

1.3 (SJ 413) (64 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A slightly detuned version of the 1.3L, still sufficient for off-road and urban tasks, but with a noticeable drop in highway performance.

Fuel Economy

Similar fuel economy to the 70hp variant, potentially marginally better due to lower power output.

Best Use Case: Off-road / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional off-road capability due to lightweight and compact size
  • • Simple, robust, and highly reliable mechanicals
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain
  • • High maneuverability and tight turning radius
  • • Strong aftermarket support for modifications

Cons:

  • • Poor on-road comfort with stiff leaf spring suspension
  • • Limited highway performance and stability
  • • Very basic safety features by modern standards
  • • Cramped interior, especially for rear passengers
  • • Prone to rust in older models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SJ: 1991 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Suzuki
Model:Samurai
Generation:SJ
Modification (Engine):1.3 (SJ 413) (64 Hp)
Start of production:1992
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Off-road vehicle
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:64 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:48.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:100 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine displacement:1324
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:74 mm mm
Piston Stroke:77 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.1 l/100 km
Maximum speed:140 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.1 kg/Hp, 66.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.7 kg/Nm, 103.6 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:965
Max. weight:1330
Max load:365
Fuel tank capacity:40 l
Size:
Length:3440 mm mm
Width:1530 mm mm
Height:1665 mm mm
Wheelbase:2030 mm mm
Front track:1300 mm
Rear (Back) track:1310 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):205 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.2 m [above average]
Approach angle:43°
Departure angle:38°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Tires size205/70 R15
Front suspensionLeaf spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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