1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 982 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caprice | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2652 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3302 mm |
