2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1981 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 613 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Buick Lucerne. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1981 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Lucerne | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3879 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3300 mm |
