1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 138 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3000 mm |
