2004 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,312 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 760 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Prizm. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2004 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2004 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Prizm | 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Prizm | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4312 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2950 mm |
