1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2003 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Montana is newer by 25 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, 2003 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 20 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, 2003 Pontiac Montana, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Montana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2003 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Montana |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2850 mm |
