1973 GMC Suburban vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 23 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 GMC Suburban weights approximately 810 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850.
Because 1973 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volvo 850. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850. 1973 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 GMC Suburban | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | GMC | Volvo |
| Model | Suburban | 850 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2670 mm |
