1978 GMC Suburban vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 575 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Suburban | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Suburban | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2760 mm |
