1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 660 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
