1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 2 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 44 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1014 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | GMC | Nissan |
| Model | Suburban | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2620 mm |
