1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Caprice 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 131 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 754 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1276 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
