1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 577 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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 Kia Rio, 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 (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Rio 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 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Caprice | Rio |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
