1974 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 920 kg more than 1980 Chrysler 1609. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler 1609. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1980 Chrysler 1609 has manual transmission. 1980 Chrysler 1609 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Model | Caprice | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2670 mm |
