1978 GMC Suburban vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 30 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 Kia Sorento.
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, 2008 Kia Sorento (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban. 1978 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sorento 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 | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | GMC | Kia |
| Model | Suburban | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2720 mm |
