2003 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 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 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban (282 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Suburban.
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 Chevrolet Suburban (441 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Suburban | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Suburban | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5327 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 3300 mm |
