1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2003 GMC Safari
To start off, 2003 GMC Safari is newer by 24 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 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 GMC Safari.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 GMC Safari. 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, 2003 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 2003 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Suburban | Safari |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2830 mm |
