1985 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1985 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 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, 1981 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1210 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Ford Mustang. 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 (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Mustang. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Mustang 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:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Mustang | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3300 mm |
