1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 32 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 971 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | GMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3310 mm |
