1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 27 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 688 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Kia Sportage. 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 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage 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 | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | GMC | Kia |
| Model | Suburban | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2640 mm |
