1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 517 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (330 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2720 mm |
