1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1988 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1988 GMC Jimmy is newer by 9 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 GMC Jimmy (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 320 kg more than 1988 GMC Jimmy.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 GMC Jimmy (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1988 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | GMC | GMC |
| Model | Suburban | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2720 mm |
