1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
