2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1978 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 450 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1978 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Malibu | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3300 mm |
