2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 651 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Chevrolet Silverado (353 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5710 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 3300 mm |
