2008 Chevrolet HHR vs. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet HHR is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 647 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet HHR.
Because 1979 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 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet HHR. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet HHR. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet HHR has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet HHR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet HHR | 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | HHR | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1073 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2950 mm |
