1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2000 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2000 Dodge Caravan is newer by 22 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, 2000 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 100 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, 2000 Dodge Caravan, 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Caravan. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2000 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2000 Dodge Caravan 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 | 2000 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
