2003 Buick Park Avenue vs. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Buick Park Avenue. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 2003 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 891 kg more than 2003 Buick Park Avenue. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Park Avenue, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick Park Avenue. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick Park Avenue.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Park Avenue | 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Park Avenue | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1682 kg | 2573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
