1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2710 mm |
