1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1974 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB 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) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 624 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1959 Berkeley QB has manual transmission. 1959 Berkeley QB 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:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 1974 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Berkeley | Chevrolet |
| Model | QB | Vega |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 2285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 42 L |
