1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1040 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 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 (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2710 mm |
