1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse

To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 34 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 40 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Chevrolet Caprice 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Make Chevrolet Buick
Model Caprice LaCrosse
Year Released 1978 2012
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5002 cc 2400 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 129 HP 182 HP
Engine RPM 3200 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 333 Nm 233 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4900 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline / Electric Hybrid
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1700 kg 1740 kg
Vehicle Length 5460 mm 5001 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1857 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1504 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2837 mm


 

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