1981 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 570 kg more than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet 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 Cadillac Eldorado (358 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Eldorado | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Eldorado | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6030 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3300 mm |
