1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R 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 Mercedes-Benz R (210 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 960 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz R.
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 Mercedes-Benz R (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3220 mm |
