1988 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 74 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
