1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2009 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2009 Volvo XC90 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 Volvo XC90 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban.
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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo XC90. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo XC90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2009 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | GMC | Volvo |
| Model | Suburban | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2650 mm |
