1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 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, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Caprice | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
