1984 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Chevrolet Caprice. (149 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1984 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 489 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1984 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Chevrolet Caprice | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
