1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 52 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2954 mm |
