1999 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban (317 HP) has 268 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1495 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Suburban | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2325 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2410 mm |
