1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 148 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1115 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
