1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 31 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 643 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.
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 (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Charger. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Charger |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2343 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3050 mm |
