1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 674 kg more than 2012 Toyota RAV4.
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, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Suburban | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2659 mm |
