1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1954 Jeep CJ
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Jeep CJ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Jeep CJ would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Suburban (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1954 Jeep CJ. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1954 Jeep CJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1200 kg more than 1954 Jeep CJ. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Jeep CJ. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Jeep CJ. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1954 Jeep CJ has manual transmission. 1954 Jeep CJ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1954 Jeep CJ | |
| Make | GMC | Jeep |
| Model | Suburban | CJ |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1954 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2060 mm |
