1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1983 Ford Tempo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Suburban 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 79 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1983 Ford Tempo. 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 1983 Ford Tempo. 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, 1981 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | GMC | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2540 mm |
