1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 1981 Subaru DL
To start off, 1981 Subaru DL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Seville (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Seville should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1981 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Cadillac Seville 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 1978 Cadillac Seville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru DL, 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, 1978 Cadillac Seville (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru DL. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru DL. 1978 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1981 Subaru DL has manual transmission. 1981 Subaru DL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 1981 Subaru DL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Subaru |
| Model | Seville | DL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
