1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1999 Mercury Villager
To start off, 1999 Mercury Villager is newer by 21 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, 1999 Mercury Villager (169 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Villager weights approximately 85 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 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, 1999 Mercury Villager, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Villager. (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Villager.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1999 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Caprice | Villager |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
