1998 Dodge Ram vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 100 kg more than 1998 Dodge Ram.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (453 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Ram will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Ram | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Ram | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2130 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 3300 mm |
