1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 3,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 180 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2651 mm |
