1983 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 7,445 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1420 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet 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, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7445 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
