1978 GMC Suburban vs. 2013 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2013 Ford Expedition 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Expedition (306 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Expedition weights approximately 452 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, 2013 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Suburban | 2013 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | GMC | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 2652 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2332 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3023 mm |
