1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1996 Ford Ka
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 15 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 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 71 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1324 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. 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 1996 Ford Ka. 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Ka 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 | 1996 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Ka |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2450 mm |
