1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 17 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 382 kg more than 1996 Buick Roadmaster.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Buick Roadmaster. 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Roadmaster | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3300 mm |
