1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 is newer by 16 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 480 kg more than 1997 Peugeot 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Peugeot 406. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Peugeot 406. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 Peugeot 406 has manual transmission. 1997 Peugeot 406 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 | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Peugeot |
| Model | Caprice | 406 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
