1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 31 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice.
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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caprice | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2685 mm |
