1987 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Caprice 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 59 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 685 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1988 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, 1987 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5030 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1215 kg |
