1978 GMC Suburban vs. 2009 Hummer H3
To start off, 2009 Hummer H3 is newer by 31 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, 2009 Hummer H3 (239 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hummer H3 should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hummer H3 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1978 GMC Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Hummer H3 (327 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Hummer H3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban. 1978 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2009 Hummer H3 has manual transmission. 2009 Hummer H3 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 | 2009 Hummer H3 | |
| Make | GMC | Hummer |
| Model | Suburban | H3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3653 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 2202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2170 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2850 mm |
