1989 GMC Suburban vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 GMC Suburban is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 GMC Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1989 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 GMC Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1989 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 GMC Suburban | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2560 mm |
