1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 405 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 Nissan Patrol 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Caprice | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2980 mm |
