1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1997 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 1997 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 16 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, 1997 Dodge Intrepid (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 890 kg more than 1997 Dodge Intrepid.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. (257 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Intrepid.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1997 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | GMC | Dodge |
| Model | Suburban | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5123 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2870 mm |
