1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra is newer by 30 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 593 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Caprice | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
