1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 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 144 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 985 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
