1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic (134 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 427 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (201 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caprice | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2685 mm |
