1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 482 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
