1989 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 580 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 Chevrolet Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Suburban | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2300 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2950 mm |
