1989 BMW 850 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 408 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 850 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3300 mm |
