1960 Ford Zodiac vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1204 kg more than 1960 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1960 Ford Zodiac. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 GMC Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Zodiac | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Zodiac | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3300 mm |
