1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 31 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 605 kg more than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Suburban | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2789 mm |
