1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Suburban | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2770 mm |
