1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2007 Honda Element
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 26 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, 2007 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 405 kg more than 2007 Honda Element.
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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2007 Honda Element 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 | 2007 Honda Element | |
| Make | GMC | Honda |
| Model | Suburban | Element |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2580 mm |
