1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 17 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 635 kg more than 1971 Renault 17.
Because 1980 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 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17, 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 17. (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 17. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1971 Renault 17 has manual transmission. 1971 Renault 17 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Caprice | 17 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
