1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 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 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 500 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
