1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 1234 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2890 mm |
