1995 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,311 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1210 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1995 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Chevrolet Caprice | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4311 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
