1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 153 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3320 mm |
