1998 Buick Signia vs. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 160 kg more than 1998 Buick Signia.
Because 1985 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 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 1985 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Signia | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
