1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1972 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. Both 1978 Chevrolet Caprice and 1972 Chevrolet Impala are equipped with a 4,093 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 45 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1972 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caprice | Impala |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3100 mm |
