1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura is newer by 28 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, 2009 Saturn Aura (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 391 kg more than 2009 Saturn Aura.
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, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saturn |
| Model | Caprice | Aura |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
