1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 832 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2651 mm |
