1987 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 669 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5030 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
