1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 405 kg more than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
