1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1998 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 17 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 420 kg more than 1998 Jensen SV-8.
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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1998 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 | 1998 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jensen |
| Model | Caprice | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
