1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 296 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | CLS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2875 mm |
