1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 30 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 112 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.
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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Caprice | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2764 mm |
