1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 991 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 GMC Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Fairlane | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3300 mm |
