1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
Model | Park Avenue | Caprice |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3798 cc | 5002 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 387 Nm | 333 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1720 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |