1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 30 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 917 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1984 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2580 mm |
