1984 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice (149 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 910 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1984 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Caprice | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 333 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |