1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus 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 Ford Focus (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 381 kg more than 2012 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Focus. (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Focus. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Focus 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 | 2012 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1319 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1824 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2649 mm |
