1983 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 680 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 316 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
