1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 620 kg more than 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC 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, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | GMC | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Suburban | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2960 mm |
