1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra is newer by 33 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), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (315 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 79 kg more than 1979 GMC Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 GMC Sierra. 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, 2012 GMC Sierra (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | GMC | GMC |
| Model | Suburban | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| 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 | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3645 mm |
