1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1988 Dodge Spirit

To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 404 kg more than 1988 Dodge Spirit.

Because 1979 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 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Chevrolet Caprice 1988 Dodge Spirit
Make Chevrolet Dodge
Model Caprice Spirit
Year Released 1979 1988
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5002 cc 2213 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 148 HP 150 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 333 Nm 244 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1720 kg 1316 kg
Vehicle Length 5460 mm 4610 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2630 mm