1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 410 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nova | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
