1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 818 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2520 mm |
