1998 BMW 317 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 2009 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 317 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3310 mm |
