1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Skyline. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Suburban | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2620 mm |
