1976 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 360 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |
