1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 3,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
