1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1974 GMC Suburban is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1974 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 GMC Suburban weights approximately 585 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Because 1974 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 GMC Suburban. (243 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 GMC Suburban. 1974 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1974 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Mustang | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 243 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3300 mm |
