2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 28 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 760 kg more than 2009 Cadillac DTS.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Cadillac DTS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet 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 Cadillac DTS (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | DTS | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3300 mm |
