1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1157 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 BMW 1800. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1800 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 1800 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3300 mm |
