1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Ford F-150
To start off, 2009 Ford F-150 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-150 (311 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1234 kg more than 2009 Ford F-150.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford F-150. 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 Ford F-150 (495 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3370 mm |
