1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1973 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1979 Ford Fairlane is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1973 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 GMC Suburban weights approximately 800 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1973 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 GMC 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1973 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Fairlane | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3300 mm |
