1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 612 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3300 mm |
