1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 677 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
