1978 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 34 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 867 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2537 mm |
