1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 30 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, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (360 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 846 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2011 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | GMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3650 mm |
