1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1974 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1981 GMC Suburban is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,541 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 GMC Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lincoln Continental. 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, 1974 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1974 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | GMC | Lincoln |
| Model | Suburban | Continental |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 7541 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3230 mm |
