1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 380 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 E (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| 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 | 129 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1443 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2875 mm |
