1982 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Chevrolet Caprice (115 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 710 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1982 Chevrolet Caprice (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1982 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Chevrolet Caprice | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
