1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1987 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1987 GMC Suburban is newer by 6 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 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 GMC Suburban (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 GMC Suburban weights approximately 10 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.
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, 1987 GMC Suburban (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1987 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | GMC | GMC |
| Model | Suburban | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3300 mm |
