1981 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1996 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Impala 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 1996 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. (358 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Eldorado | 1996 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Eldorado | Impala |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6030 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
