2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 30 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 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 27 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (322 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Lucerne | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 4392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2950 mm |
