1980 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1980 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 80 kg more than 1980 GMC Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1980 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 GMC Suburban | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1798 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 | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2720 mm |
