1999 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 705 kg more than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird. 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Suburban | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2325 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2880 mm |
