1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1981 GMC Jimmy is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Jimmy (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 275 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.
Because 1981 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy 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, 1981 GMC Jimmy (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Caprice | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
