1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2011 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2011 Ford Expedition is newer by 30 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, 2011 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Expedition weights approximately 107 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 2011 Ford Expedition. 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, 2011 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2011 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 2502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3023 mm |
