1997 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 932 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban (285 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3300 mm |
