* Branding and badging: The most obvious difference is the name and badging. The El Camino wore Chevrolet's bowtie emblem, while the Caballero used GMC's truck-oriented branding.
* Grilles and front fascia: While similar in overall shape, the grilles and front bumpers had subtle styling differences to distinguish them visually as Chevrolet and GMC products. The Caballero often had a more "truck-like" appearance in its grille design.
* Interior trim: The interiors featured different trim pieces, steering wheels, instrument panel details, and upholstery materials to reinforce their respective brand identities. These were largely subtle variations rather than major redesigns.
* Optional equipment: While both offered a similar range of options, there might have been slight differences in available packages or specific features.
* Marketing and target audience: While mechanically similar, GM likely targeted slightly different demographics. The El Camino was marketed more broadly, while the Caballero might have been positioned to appeal to buyers who preferred the perceived ruggedness and slightly more upscale image (at the time) associated with GMC trucks.
In short, the 1979 El Camino and Caballero were essentially twins under the skin, differentiated primarily through styling cues and marketing to subtly distinguish them within GM's lineup.
