1978 Buick Electra vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 445 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Electra | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3300 mm |
