1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 65 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Caprice | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
