1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2008 Nissan Frontier 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, 2008 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 685 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.
Because 2008 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2008 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Caprice | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3200 mm |
