1969 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1959 Ford Popular
To start off, 1969 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Popular would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1959 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 270 kg more than 1959 Ford Popular. 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, 1969 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Popular. 1969 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1959 Ford Popular has manual transmission. 1959 Ford Popular will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Vega | 1959 Ford Popular | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Popular |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2300 mm |
