1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (511 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 272 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2570 mm |
