1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2004 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2004 Kia Sportage is newer by 23 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, 2004 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban.
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, 1981 GMC Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Sportage. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2004 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | GMC | Kia |
| Model | Suburban | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2640 mm |
