1998 BMW 323 vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 173 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 323 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
