Chevrolet Caprice IV 5.0 i V8 (172 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Chevrolet Caprice:

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America from 1965 through the 1996 model years. All versions of the full-size Chevrolet models reached their peak in 1965, with over a million units sold. It was the most popular car in the U. S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, during a time when its production also included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala trims.
Introduced in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop, Chevrolet offered a complete line of Caprice body style versions for the 1966 and subsequent model years, including a "formal hardtop" coupe and a station wagon. The 1971 through 1976 models are the largest Chevrolets built. The downsized 1977 and restyled 1991 models were awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year. Production ended in 1996....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IV Overview:

Chevrolet Caprice (IV). With 345 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1770 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Chevrolet Caprice IV was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP (1997) and was primarily designed for the North American market. Consequently, it was not tested by Euro NCAP, and no official star rating is available from this program.

5.0 i V8 (172 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

This 5.0L V8 (L03 TBI) offers modest power, resulting in sluggish acceleration (10.5 sec 0-100 km/h) for such a large vehicle, suitable only for relaxed driving and not for performance enthusiasts.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy data is missing, but given its lower power output and older TBI technology, it's unlikely to be significantly better than larger V8s, making it less efficient per horsepower.

Best Use Case: Economical daily commuting (if fuel economy is better than larger V8s), basic transportation, low-stress driving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and smooth handling for its class.
  • • Spacious interior with seating for up to six adults.
  • • Robust V8 engine options, especially the powerful LT1.
  • • Durable body-on-frame construction, favored by police and taxi fleets.
  • • Classic American full-size sedan styling.

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be a significant concern, especially with older V8s.
  • • Handling is soft and floaty, not suited for spirited driving.
  • • Interior design became dated towards the end of its production run.
  • • Braking performance (rear drums on some models) is not up to modern standards.
  • • Lack of modern safety features compared to contemporary vehicles.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(83: 1983 - 1990).

General:
Brand:Chevrolet
Model:Caprice
Generation:IV
Modification (Engine):5.0 i V8 (172 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:6
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:172 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:34.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:345 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L03 More details about the engine L03
Engine displacement:5002
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Single-point injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:94.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:17 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:10 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.5 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 97.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.1 kg/Nm, 194.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1770
Fuel tank capacity:87 l
Size:
Length:5439 mm mm
Width:1980 mm mm
Height:1415 mm mm
Wheelbase:2945 mm mm
Front track:1568 mm
Rear (Back) track:1542 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/70 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Caprice. How does it handle on the road?