2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,161 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 409 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Escalade | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6161 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2609 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3300 mm |
