1988 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2870 mm |
