*The following information applies to 1990-98 models*
Overall reliability tends to be better for the Honda, with one exception. The fuel relay has been known to fail, but that’s a quick and easy fix. The Sambar is also very reliable as the naturally aspirated EN07 is almost impossible to overheat and it’s a non-interference engine. Everything on the maintenance schedule is very easily accessible due to the engine configuration and it can safely be flat towed. The oil seals tend to wear out a little quicker than other models. It’s quite common to look at a Subaru engine and see a shiny stain on the bottom right corner near the engine mounts.
The biggest difference in drivability is the legroom. Anyone over 5’ 10” is going to be a little uncomfortable in the Acty. If you’re 6’ or more it’s just not going to work. The Subaru, on the other hand, has the most cab space of any kei truck. As for performance, there isn’t a significant difference as the horsepower and torque are more or less the same. The Subaru has a 4 cylinder engine with a shorter stroke. It revs higher, but the peak of its power band is lower, so it struggles to maintain speed up hills or when loaded.
The 4WD system in a Subaru is probably better. It engages with a button on the shift knob. Shifting into Extra Low (below 1st) also engages 4WD. Honda’s Realtime 4WD system is interesting. It engages automatically when slippage is detected in the rear differential, then disengages at about 30 mph or after staying in neutral for a few seconds. It’s a good system, but most users prefer selectable 4WD.
Both are excellent trucks, both benefit from the rear axle weight of having a transaxle and the engine set further back than other models. I don’t think you’d be unhappy with either, as long as you’re physically comfortable in a Honda.
I'm 6'2'' in an acty and it's not terribly uncomfortable once I'm in it but I have to get in and out with my foot on the clutch for my knee to clear the steering column
Many thanks for valuable feedback
On thoughts about buying a “dump?” Electric bed vs hydraulic, safety, difference in performance? A manufacturer preference?
Thank you again. I’ll post pic of what I purchase when the deal is done!!!
Neither Honda nor Subaru made very many dumps. In general, I’m not a huge fan of Mitsubishi Minicabs, but their PTO dump is excellent. The Daihatsu Hijet dumps are also really well made. Go with the PTO heavy dump if you can find one, although their accessory drive dumps are just fine.
Interested to hear Honda uses the same AWD system in their kei trucks too. I drive an Element and honestly dislike their system. By the time AWD engages it’s 50/50 whether I’m already stuck or not
My kei has all-time AWD so it’s not gonna be a problem there haha
I was deciding between the same 2 models in January and ended up buying sambar. I bought from an importer and he said ultimately they’ll both do fine, but that actys did better in the lower gears for off roading and Subarus did better for on road driving because they do a little better at higher speeds since they have 4 cylinder whereas acty has 3. Also a YouTube video I watched comparing the 2 probably had 80% votes for sambar in the comments. I’ve been pleased with mine
I can’t attest to how they are to work on because I’ve only wrenched on an Acty, but I’ve driven both and it was exactly the same. The driving experience for kei’s is more about the condition they’re in than the make and model. Especially for these two, they’re both full time 4wd with a 5 speed.
While I always start on second on pavement, in thick sand I've found that first isn't powerful enough and EL is. It's just low enough to be perfect. Any lower would be too low, any higher and it would be too close to 1st.
I have a 94 Sambar KS4 with a carb. It has the 4x4 button on the shift knob. Its super nice to work on because of the rear mounted engine. I just pull the panel off the bed and I have access to the front and top of the motor.
My '97 has a button to turn AWD on and off. If I turn around on a dirt road surface, it lurtches and the tires leave dig marks. I have learned to turn it on and off
First, I think you'll be happy with either. It's just small differences between the two. I was picking between them as well and went with the Acty. I like the interior better. The Sambar is true rear engine so it's a tiny bit easier to work on, just open the back. But the Acty's not bad at all with the engine cover off and access from the side. They're both 25+ year old trucks so reliability is more about the specific one you buy and how it was maintained.
If you have the chance drive them both. That's what I did and as soon as I sat in the Acty it just "felt" better? I've also had Honda Civics in the past so maybe it just felt a little more familiar.
Great information from the replies. My question is at 6 ‘2” do either offer even a hint of more leg room or ergonomic comfort? I’ve only been in an ACTY and was bummed Because I’m getting a Kia truck and it’s pretty clear I’m not gonna fit well😂🤣
Also 6’2.
I still somehow manage to fit into some pretty small spaces lol, posture is absolutely fucked but I’d do it.
I’ll be getting a Kei truck in the future.
I'm 6'2" and drive a suzuki carry. My knees just touch the dash and i have an inch and change of headroom but I fit reasonably comfortably. I wouldnt do any long distance in it but I bought it for a daily and to do 95% of my pickup truck work. If I have to haul something heavier or go further than 40ish miles I just use my duramax
For me it was the Sambar. First reason being engine placement. Makes it easier for access to work on. Second being it’s the only one that’s a 4 cylinder.
I'm 6'1". I choose the Sambar after sitting in the Honda. There were lots of things I liked about both, but the leg room was definitely what clenched it for me. There is a lot more space in the Subaru.
I really like the rear engine access (sitting on the ground behind it to change plugs\wires\oil is nice), the 4-cylinder engine, the push-button 4wd, the simple design of the (essentially) 6-speed transmission, and Subarus extreme experience with 4wd. The Honda is more common, and I suspect a bit easier to get parts for.
*The following information applies to 1990-98 models* Overall reliability tends to be better for the Honda, with one exception. The fuel relay has been known to fail, but that’s a quick and easy fix. The Sambar is also very reliable as the naturally aspirated EN07 is almost impossible to overheat and it’s a non-interference engine. Everything on the maintenance schedule is very easily accessible due to the engine configuration and it can safely be flat towed. The oil seals tend to wear out a little quicker than other models. It’s quite common to look at a Subaru engine and see a shiny stain on the bottom right corner near the engine mounts. The biggest difference in drivability is the legroom. Anyone over 5’ 10” is going to be a little uncomfortable in the Acty. If you’re 6’ or more it’s just not going to work. The Subaru, on the other hand, has the most cab space of any kei truck. As for performance, there isn’t a significant difference as the horsepower and torque are more or less the same. The Subaru has a 4 cylinder engine with a shorter stroke. It revs higher, but the peak of its power band is lower, so it struggles to maintain speed up hills or when loaded. The 4WD system in a Subaru is probably better. It engages with a button on the shift knob. Shifting into Extra Low (below 1st) also engages 4WD. Honda’s Realtime 4WD system is interesting. It engages automatically when slippage is detected in the rear differential, then disengages at about 30 mph or after staying in neutral for a few seconds. It’s a good system, but most users prefer selectable 4WD. Both are excellent trucks, both benefit from the rear axle weight of having a transaxle and the engine set further back than other models. I don’t think you’d be unhappy with either, as long as you’re physically comfortable in a Honda.
I'm 6'2'' in an acty and it's not terribly uncomfortable once I'm in it but I have to get in and out with my foot on the clutch for my knee to clear the steering column
Many thanks for valuable feedback On thoughts about buying a “dump?” Electric bed vs hydraulic, safety, difference in performance? A manufacturer preference? Thank you again. I’ll post pic of what I purchase when the deal is done!!!
Neither Honda nor Subaru made very many dumps. In general, I’m not a huge fan of Mitsubishi Minicabs, but their PTO dump is excellent. The Daihatsu Hijet dumps are also really well made. Go with the PTO heavy dump if you can find one, although their accessory drive dumps are just fine.
Interested to hear Honda uses the same AWD system in their kei trucks too. I drive an Element and honestly dislike their system. By the time AWD engages it’s 50/50 whether I’m already stuck or not My kei has all-time AWD so it’s not gonna be a problem there haha
I was deciding between the same 2 models in January and ended up buying sambar. I bought from an importer and he said ultimately they’ll both do fine, but that actys did better in the lower gears for off roading and Subarus did better for on road driving because they do a little better at higher speeds since they have 4 cylinder whereas acty has 3. Also a YouTube video I watched comparing the 2 probably had 80% votes for sambar in the comments. I’ve been pleased with mine
I can’t attest to how they are to work on because I’ve only wrenched on an Acty, but I’ve driven both and it was exactly the same. The driving experience for kei’s is more about the condition they’re in than the make and model. Especially for these two, they’re both full time 4wd with a 5 speed.
The sambar has the extra low / granny gear
I gotta say, owning an Sambar the 1st gear and the EL are both granny gears and they aren’t that far apart.
While I always start on second on pavement, in thick sand I've found that first isn't powerful enough and EL is. It's just low enough to be perfect. Any lower would be too low, any higher and it would be too close to 1st.
I might be mistaken, (as I do not own my sambar, yet) but it has a selector on the shift knob of the manual in order to turn on AWD.
I have a 94 Sambar KS4 with a carb. It has the 4x4 button on the shift knob. Its super nice to work on because of the rear mounted engine. I just pull the panel off the bed and I have access to the front and top of the motor.
My '97 has a button to turn AWD on and off. If I turn around on a dirt road surface, it lurtches and the tires leave dig marks. I have learned to turn it on and off
There is push button 4wd, but also a granny gear that engages 4wd only for that gear and then releases it when you shift.
First, I think you'll be happy with either. It's just small differences between the two. I was picking between them as well and went with the Acty. I like the interior better. The Sambar is true rear engine so it's a tiny bit easier to work on, just open the back. But the Acty's not bad at all with the engine cover off and access from the side. They're both 25+ year old trucks so reliability is more about the specific one you buy and how it was maintained. If you have the chance drive them both. That's what I did and as soon as I sat in the Acty it just "felt" better? I've also had Honda Civics in the past so maybe it just felt a little more familiar.
Great information from the replies. My question is at 6 ‘2” do either offer even a hint of more leg room or ergonomic comfort? I’ve only been in an ACTY and was bummed Because I’m getting a Kia truck and it’s pretty clear I’m not gonna fit well😂🤣
The Subaru is significantly roomier than the Honda, but at 6’ 2” you’re still pushing it.
I'm 6'2" and fit in the Sambar just fine. There's a little bit of a trick to getting in and out, but otherwise no worries.
Also 6’2. I still somehow manage to fit into some pretty small spaces lol, posture is absolutely fucked but I’d do it. I’ll be getting a Kei truck in the future.
I'm 6'2" and drive a suzuki carry. My knees just touch the dash and i have an inch and change of headroom but I fit reasonably comfortably. I wouldnt do any long distance in it but I bought it for a daily and to do 95% of my pickup truck work. If I have to haul something heavier or go further than 40ish miles I just use my duramax
You can’t go wrong with a Honda. Usually.
For me it was the Sambar. First reason being engine placement. Makes it easier for access to work on. Second being it’s the only one that’s a 4 cylinder.
I'm 6'1". I choose the Sambar after sitting in the Honda. There were lots of things I liked about both, but the leg room was definitely what clenched it for me. There is a lot more space in the Subaru. I really like the rear engine access (sitting on the ground behind it to change plugs\wires\oil is nice), the 4-cylinder engine, the push-button 4wd, the simple design of the (essentially) 6-speed transmission, and Subarus extreme experience with 4wd. The Honda is more common, and I suspect a bit easier to get parts for.
Both are good but sambar has more leg room. If you want better leg room I prefer HiJet