1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1212 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2560 mm |
