1983 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 11 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 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 850 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, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1983 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. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Caprice | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5001 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
