1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 116 kg more than 2004 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2004 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Xterra. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2004 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Caprice | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
