1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 27 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 35 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 345 kg more than 2008 BMW 316. 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2008 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Caprice | 316 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
