1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 882 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2520 mm |
