1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 16 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 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 29 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Express |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 7439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 555 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 2424 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3440 mm |
