1954 BMW 502 vs. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 820 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1954 BMW 502. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1954 BMW 502 has manual transmission. 1954 BMW 502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1980 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 502 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3300 mm |
