1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,505 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (193 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Express. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (583 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Express |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3440 mm |
