1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 28 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, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (305 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 417 kg more than 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 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, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (453 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | GMC | Jeep |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2790 mm |
