1997 BMW 850 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 850 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2950 mm |
