1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
