1986 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 713 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 BMW M5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3300 mm |
