1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 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 86 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1412 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Suburban | Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |