1981 GMC Suburban vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 18 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 55 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK.
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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK (336 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 1999 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | GLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
