1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (181 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva weights approximately 587 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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 Chevrolet Captiva (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2012 Chevrolet Captiva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cavalier | Captiva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.3 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4673 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1756 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2707 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 65 L |
