1997 BMW S3 vs. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 412 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | S3 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
