1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 320 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |
