1987 Ford Fairlane vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1987 Ford Fairlane is newer by 8 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, 1987 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 602 kg more than 1987 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1987 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Fairlane 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:
| 1987 Ford Fairlane | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Fairlane | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4088 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3300 mm |
