1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 7 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 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix (205 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 830 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. 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 (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 3097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2740 mm |
