1998 Buick Regal vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 226 kg more than 1998 Buick Regal.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal, 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Regal. (312 Nm). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Regal | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Regal | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
