1969 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1981 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 1981 Dodge Mirada is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 695 kg more than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Vega | 1981 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Vega | Mirada |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2870 mm |
