1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 9 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, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 982 kg more than 1988 BMW Z1.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW Z1. 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 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW Z1 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:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | Z1 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3300 mm |
