1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 31 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 896 kg more than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Dodge Caliber. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2012 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | GMC | Dodge |
| Model | Suburban | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2634 mm |
