1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 19 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 814 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Malibu | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3300 mm |
