1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2009 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2009 GMC Yukon is newer by 28 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 5,328 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 GMC Yukon (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 GMC Yukon weights approximately 381 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 GMC Yukon. 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, 2009 GMC Yukon (455 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2009 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Suburban | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 2613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2950 mm |
