1973 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 107 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 1973 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2510 mm |
