1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 84 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Capri |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 58 L |
