1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 179 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 2021 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3165 mm |
