1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 874 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
Model | Suburban | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6210 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 266 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 326 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1521 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2578 mm |