1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 4,312 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 500 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (187 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has manual transmission. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
