1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1107 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Suburban | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2710 mm |
