1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2003 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2003 Mercury Monterey is newer by 24 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 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 222 kg more than 2003 Mercury Monterey.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercury Monterey. 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, 2003 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2003 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3070 mm |
