1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 567 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2720 mm |
