1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 19 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 548 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | W12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2540 mm |
