1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2003 Ford Freestar
To start off, 2003 Ford Freestar is newer by 22 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, 2003 Ford Freestar (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 292 kg more than 2003 Ford Freestar.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Freestar. 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, 2003 Ford Freestar (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2003 Ford Freestar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Freestar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3070 mm |
