1978 GMC Suburban vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 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, 1978 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC 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, 1978 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Suburban | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2430 mm |
