1973 GMC Suburban vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 1609. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chrysler 1609. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 GMC Suburban | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | GMC | Chrysler |
| Model | Suburban | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2670 mm |
