1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 32 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 365 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | A |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
