1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 33 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 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 28 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Frontier. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Caprice | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4392 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3200 mm |
