1986 Ford Orion vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Orion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Orion | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3300 mm |
