1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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 8 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 320 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2651 mm |
