1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 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 34 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 410 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1961 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1961 Abarth 600 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:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1974 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Abarth | Chevrolet |
| Model | 600 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 42 L |
