1996 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1308 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Laser. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (455 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Suburban | 1981 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Laser |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2370 mm |
