1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 67 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1422 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Rabbit. 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
