1981 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 886 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2578 mm |
