2009 Acura RL vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 28 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, 2009 Acura RL (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Acura RL.
Because 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Acura | Chevrolet |
| Model | RL | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
