1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1986 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1986 Ford Fairlane is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 763 kg more than 1986 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Fairlane. 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 (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 1986 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2950 mm |
