1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1997 Ford F-250
To start off, 1997 Ford F-250 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 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-250 (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 148 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford F-250 (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 1997 Ford F-250 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | F-250 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 2380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3490 mm |
