1987 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Caprice | Golf |
Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5030 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 | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 346 Nm | 79 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |