1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Chevrolet Lumina
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 31 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 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 939 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Lumina.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Lumina. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 Chevrolet Lumina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Lumina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2920 mm |
