1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 387 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Caprice | Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 333 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |