1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (370 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 229 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (535 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Charger |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1929 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3053 mm |
