1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 702 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2712 mm |
