1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 18 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 60 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Microbus has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
