2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1978 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 31 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 5,670 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 59 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 1978 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Impala | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5670 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3300 mm |
