1949 Austin 16 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin 16. (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin 16. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 1974 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | 16 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 42 L |
