2003 Buick Rainier vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2003 Buick Rainier is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rainier (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 132 kg more than 2003 Buick Rainier.
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, 2003 Buick Rainier (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Rainier | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3300 mm |
