1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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 (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Caprice | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
