1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Chevrolet Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2560 mm |
