1978 GMC Suburban vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 880 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
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 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 1978 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Suburban | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2630 mm |
