1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo 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 89 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1217 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Polo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
