1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1959 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Ford Zodiac. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Zodiac | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3300 mm |
