1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Dodge Journey
To start off, 2012 Dodge Journey 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 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Journey (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Journey should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 633 kg more than 2012 Dodge Journey.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Dodge Journey. 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, 2012 Dodge Journey (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Journey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2012 Dodge Journey | |
| Make | GMC | Dodge |
| Model | Suburban | Journey |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1765 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2891 mm |
