1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 11 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 212 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | 300 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
