1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 33 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 146 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Routan. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Routan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3078 mm |
